Agenda Profile: Martin Helme

Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

2024-11-20

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political position is strongly antagonistic toward the coalition's proposed constitutional amendment regarding the voting rights of non-citizens, deeming it both unreasonable and problematic. This stance is value-based, stressing the lack of loyalty and integration (the failure to learn the language) among the non-citizen population. The speaker supports their own initiated bill, considering it superior in substance, but is ready to waive certain mechanisms.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the mechanisms governing bilateral treaties and the restrictions imposed by international law, specifically referencing the prohibitions within the Ukrainian constitution. He is familiar with the legislative process, having initiated the draft bill himself, and is currently addressing public concerns related to granting suffrage to citizens of third countries.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is two-fold: initially analytical and questioning, but it quickly turns sharp and aggressive. Strong emotional expressions are used (e.g., "defacing the constitution," "crude behavior"), and the coalition is accused of political manipulation and coercion.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, participating in the question-and-answer phase, and is involved in initiating draft legislation. This pattern of activity demonstrates commitment to the ongoing legislative process.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A strong opposition movement is aimed at the coalition, criticizing their heavy-handed approach and political tactics, such as labeling opponents as "Putinists." The criticism is both political (regarding the expansion of voting rights) and procedural, accusing the coalition of mere politicking and disregarding the facts.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is demonstrating flexibility on the details of their draft bill, even being prepared to abandon the mechanism of bilateral agreements. At the same time, there is no cooperation with the coalition, and they are instead seeking support and a position from the other opposition party (the head of the Isamaa faction).

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national constitutional level and international relations, especially in the context of agreements concluded with third countries. Specific Estonian regional or local topics are absent.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the integration and loyalty of non-citizens. The speaker argues that non-citizens are not loyal because they have not wanted to learn the language or integrate, and this is the primary argument against their right to vote.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act on Amendments to the Constitution (Bill 527 SE), which concerns the voting rights of non-citizens. The speaker himself is the initiator of an alternative bill and is a strong opponent of the coalition's solution, urging a vote against it.

2 Speeches Analyzed