Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
The suitability of the acting Minister of Defence for their position.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political stance is sharply opposed to the government's actions, focusing specifically on the poor management of national defense and border construction projects. The speaker stresses the lack of accountability and accuses the government (the Reform Party) of engaging in patterns of lying and stealing. These positions are strongly results-oriented, demanding an end to the "complete chaos" currently reigning in national defense and calling for the dismissal of those responsible.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the costs and initiation of the 2019 border construction, claiming that their faction rationalized the expenses and successfully launched the project. They also position themselves as an authority when evaluating the "total chaos" currently dominating national defense, citing the Ministry of Defense's years of failed promises to rectify the situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and rife with personal attacks, employing blunt and insulting language (e.g., "You are a small and stupid person!"). The tone is arrogant and confrontational, emphasizing the need to shut down opponents and highlight their insolence. The emotional appeal is dominant, focusing on anger directed at dishonesty and a lack of accountability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered in the context of the Riigikogu session, referencing procedural rules, shifts in timing, and the events that took place in the Riigikogu main chamber the previous day. The pattern of action is reactive, responding directly to opponents (Hussar) and recent events (Pevkur's address).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Defense Minister Pevkur, and other members of parliament (Hussar). The criticism is extremely intense, accusing the opponents of both procedural violations ("we have no rules") and personal and moral failings (lying, stealing, arrogance). The opponents are also accused of, in turn, accusing those who point the finger at the wrongdoing.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is nonexistent and antagonistic. The speaker resorts to direct confrontation and personal insults, demonstrating a complete unwillingness to compromise. Collaboration is referenced only in the context of the past, specifically when their faction was involved in launching the border construction project.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, addressing the construction of Estonia's eastern border and the mismanagement of national defense. Specific local or international topics are not covered.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are tied to controlling state spending. The speaker supports fiscal discipline and making costs sensible in public construction projects, contrasting this with the "runaway costs" of the previous Reform Party government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward demanding accountability and oversight, particularly concerning the Minister of Defence's fitness for office. The speaker stresses the necessity of firing those who fail to take responsibility and highlights their faction's prior role in launching and funding the border construction project.
3 Speeches Analyzed