Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Inquiry regarding the financing of Russian-language Delfi and ETV+
2025-03-17
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely opposed to the government’s immigration policy and the funding of Russian-language media, which are viewed as a direct threat to the Russification of Estonian society and the formation of public sentiment. The core focus is the value-based defense of Estonia’s independence and linguistic space, while simultaneously accusing the Reform Party government of damaging national interests. The overall political framework is primarily grounded in values and results.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker shows familiarity with the media landscape (ERR, Delfi) and the impacts of immigration, citing specific numbers (roughly 150,000 Russian speakers). However, they also express skepticism about the trustworthiness of official statistics, essentially equating them with Russian-made propaganda.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and forceful, employing a strong emotional charge (the threat of Russification, "Estonia groans") and rhetorical questions. The speaker uses simple, direct language, labeling the opposition for bringing in "propagandists" and relying on personal observations ("if you have walked around Tallinn").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity during this period is restricted to appearances related to parliamentary interpellations, signaling active participation in debates on specific current affairs and in questioning the actions of the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party government, which is sharply criticized for its policies over the last three years—policies that have led to the Russification of Estonia and the encroachment of the Russian language. The criticism is policy- and results-based, directly accusing the government of handing a "large megaphone" to propagandists who are Russian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data regarding willingness to cooperate; the address is aimed at direct confrontation and accusation, specifically by addressing a member of the government ("Kristen, do you yourself approve this?").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues (Estonian independence, Russification), pointing also to the situation in Tallinn as an example of the consequences of immigration policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There are no economic considerations, apart from a brief reference to the labor needs of strawberry growers, which is used as a rhetorical comparison regarding the workforce in the media sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the forefront is dominated by a strong anti-immigration stance and concern over Russification, particularly due to the influx of Russian speakers. Emphasis is placed on the need to protect Estonian societal attitudes and national spirit against foreign influence activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on monitoring the government's activities and submitting interpellations (referencing interpellation No. 715), which concerns the funding of Russian-language media, but specific draft laws or amendments are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed