Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Inquiry Regarding the Explosion of an Attack Drone on the Territory of Estonia (No. 810)
2025-11-10
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the deficiencies in national security and defense capabilities, particularly in the area of air and drone defense. The speaker is extremely critical of the actions taken by the Reform Party-led government, accusing them of avoiding responsibility and failing to establish genuine capabilities, despite vast amounts of funding. The political stance is strongly results-oriented, focusing on the government's failure to ensure national defense.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the history and processes of national defense financing, referencing specific years (2007, 2009, 2020, 2023) and key decisions (the dissolution of military intelligence, the abolition of the Border Guard, the postponement of establishing air defense capabilities). Technical terms are employed, such as RES (State Budget Strategy) and the State Budget, emphasizing the distinction between them and the mechanisms for allocating funds. The speaker is especially authoritative on the subjects of border infrastructure development and air defense procurement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a highly combative, ironic, and accusatory style, using strong language such as "failure," "demagoguery," and "trolling." They balance historical facts and figures (for instance, fluctuations in the cost of border construction) with emotional appeals, accusing their opponents of failing to recognize their responsibility to the state. The tone is rapid and direct, aimed at ridiculing opponents and underscoring their inaction.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu interpellation debate, repeatedly posing questions and requesting extra time (three more minutes). Their actions are focused on holding the government accountable in the parliamentary chamber and reminding them of their historical errors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents being criticized are the Reform Party and its leaders (Kristen Michal, Kaja Kallas, Jürgen Ligi, Hanno Pevkur). The criticism is intense and includes both political accusations (such as the dismantling of the border guard and the failure to establish air defense) and personal ones (demagoguery, shifting responsibility onto Putin or Martin Helme). A willingness to compromise is not evident, as the government’s actions are being labeled a “coup d’état by the liberal regime” and “a joke.”
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Willingness to cooperate is absent with the current government, as the speaker focuses on accusing them. They point to earlier cross-party cooperation in the National Defence Committee in 2022 to emphasize how the government ignored even consensus proposals (additional funding for air defense). The style right now is purely confrontational.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national and international level, addressing the integrity of Estonian airspace, the construction and defense of the eastern border, and the war in Ukraine. Particular attention is being paid to the Estonian-Russian border and its lack of protection, referencing the Eston Kohver incident.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of the government's expenditure, arguing that it fails to deliver tangible capabilities, while ironically pointing to the 5% GDP defense spending target. He stresses the necessity of using public funds efficiently, offering the border construction undertaken during the EKRE administration as a case in point. In that instance, an over-engineered plan was scaled back, yet the border was actually finished—a contrast to the figures allocated in the Reform Party's State Budget Strategy (RES).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available. The speeches focus exclusively on national defense and security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are related to ensuring national defense and security, particularly the establishment of medium-range air defense and anti-drone capabilities. The speaker is a strong opponent of the government's inaction and demands accountability, highlighting their previous role as the initiator of the border construction project.
3 Speeches Analyzed