Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First reading of the draft resolution "Increasing the Republic of Estonia's participation in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development" (542 OE)
2024-12-03
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker adopts a vehemently opposing stance toward the government's economic and financial policy, particularly regarding the allocation of funds to international financial organizations. The political framework is value-based, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing "Estonia" and the welfare of the Estonian people over foreign aid and support for Ukraine. The position is forceful, demanding the rejection of the draft bill, and sharply contrasting with the government's policy of raising taxes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the technical details of budgetary accounting, criticizing the Finance Minister’s explanation that the financial transaction does not affect the budget balance. He also references the issues of international aid schemes and money laundering, quoting former Polish Deputy Finance Minister Piotr Kulpa, who stated that the majority of the aid money returns to the donors. He stresses that the funds provided are not earmarked and can be allocated to various projects besides assisting Ukraine.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is highly aggressive, ironic, and confrontational, employing strong emotional appeals and sarcasm. The speaker begins with a personal attack regarding the opponent's attire and continues by labeling the opponents ("vile politics," "talking nonsense"). He uses simplified but impactful contrasts (closing schools vs. giving away millions) and ridicules the opponents' tactic of labeling him a "Putinist."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu debate during the first reading of the draft bill, submitting both questions and extended statements that culminate in a motion to reject the bill. He uses his allotted time extensively, even requesting additional minutes, which indicates a desire to present a comprehensive and aggressive argument.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the Reform Party's "liberal regime" and Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, who is accused of incompetence, humiliating parliament, and muddling the issue. The criticism operates on both a political level (tax hikes, international financing) and a personal level (attire, inability to answer questions). Compromise is ruled out because, in his estimation, the draft bill is "wrong and bad."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches offer no indication of a willingness to cooperate or compromise with other political parties; the focus remains squarely on highlighting the positions of their own party (Our Party Chooses Estonia) and sharply criticizing the government's policies. The speaker does reference other opposition members (Evelin Poolamets, Mart Helme), but only to point out that they, too, failed to receive substantive answers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses heavily on Estonia's domestic problems and communities, citing the closure of the Metsküla and Vana-Vigala schools as an example resulting from a lack of funds. He contrasts these domestic cuts and the deprivation faced by the Estonian people with international aid, stressing that he works "only for the welfare of the Estonian people."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the government’s tax hike policy, specifically listing increases in car tax, VAT, excise duties, income tax, national defense tax, and land tax. He sharply criticizes the allocation of 4 million euros to the EBRD, claiming it constitutes a genuine expenditure, regardless of the government’s assertions regarding the budgetary status of the financial transaction. He supports domestic austerity measures but criticizes cuts in the social sector and education.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, he/she highlights the removal of health insurance from stay-at-home mothers and the increase in doctor visit fees as unfair cuts. He/she ironically mentions that EBRD funds could be used for the "green transition" and the "homo transition," skeptically referencing certain international social and tolerance-promoting programs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is Draft Resolution 542 OE of the Riigikogu, which concerns increasing the Republic of Estonia's participation in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft and is initiating a motion for its rejection, contrasting this expenditure with domestic austerity measures.
3 Speeches Analyzed