Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
On the topic of ERM
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
Political Position
The political focus centers on the question of national cultural policy and how taxpayer money is utilized, particularly in light of the scandalous performance that occurred at the ERM (Estonian National Museum). The speaker adopts a strong, value-based stance, sharply opposing the degradation of culture and the state financing of perversions. There is a demand for the Minister of Culture to intervene and assume responsibility for the actions of the state museum.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in national cultural organization and administration, knowing the status of the ERM (a state museum, subordinate to the ministry) and the order of magnitude of its funding (approximately 9 million euros per year). Furthermore, the cultural policy discussion employs value-based concepts such as a sense of propriety, self-censorship, and the position of culture upstream from politics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong moral judgments ("obscene," "defilement," "perversions"). The speaker presents logical arguments regarding state funding, but the emphasis is on an urgent demand and value-based criticism that the government must intervene and take responsibility. Direct examples of the performance content (imitation of rape, stamping marks on the forehead) are also used to amplify the emotional impact.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action demonstrates a swift and robust reaction to the recent public cultural scandal (the ERM ÖÖ25 event), focusing on its political and financial consequences. The speaker is using the platform to demand direct accountability from the Ministry of Culture and its leadership.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed against the Ministry of Culture and the government, who are accused of approving and funding the degradation of culture using taxpayer money. The criticism is intense and value-based, accusing the government of enabling perversions in the name of culture and adopting an attitude of protecting the honor of the uniform. Compromise is ruled out; concrete steps and accountability are demanded.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is lacking; the speaker demands accountability and intervention, not compromise, pointing out that the ministry's stance ("it was acceptable") is the root of the problem. Personal connections with ministry officials are mentioned only to emphasize that the criticism is aimed at state policy, not individuals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, dealing with the activities of the Estonian National Museum as a state museum and the Ministry of Culture's responsibility for national cultural policy. There is no specific regional emphasis beyond the location of the ERM itself.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views center on the responsible use of taxpayer money, strongly opposing state funding (9 million euros annually) for culture deemed obscene and degenerate. It is emphasized that the government should not be funding perversions with taxpayer money.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues have been addressed through the defense of morality and a sense of decency, specifically by opposing public profanity, the imitation of sexual violence, and the humiliation of the audience at a state-funded event. The degradation of culture is viewed as poisoning public discourse and subverting the foundations of civilization.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
There is a lack of legislative focus; the emphasis is instead on administrative accountability and demanding that the Minister of Culture take concrete steps concerning the museum director and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The objective is to change policy and establish responsibility, not to create new legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed