Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on a strong and principled demand to restrict all voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens, emphasizing the objective of building a nation-state and respecting the preamble of the constitution. This stance is presented as the party's long-standing and unwavering principle, dating back to 2013. Any compromises that would grant non-citizens constitutional voting rights are categorically rejected as a violation of the constitution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in matters of constitutional law, referencing the preamble of the constitution and the public law principle regarding disproportionate political power. Furthermore, the objectives and conditions of the naturalization process are discussed in detail, emphasizing the acquisition of language, customs, and loyalty. Specific terminology is employed to justify the restriction of voting rights for the purpose of nation-state building.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, self-assured, and self-aggrandizing, emphasizing the party's steadfastness ("tough, principled, and uncompromising"). Heavily charged and polarizing phrases are employed, such as "we'll trash the constitution" and "Putinism nonsense," to criticize opponents and underscore their own ideological purity. The speech concludes with a direct demand to "vote correctly" and a request to "thank the party," which suggests strong confidence in achieving political victory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, delivering a speech during the third reading of the draft act to amend the Constitution. Furthermore, he immediately intervenes on procedural issues, calling for a new vote due to a malfunction of the voting console. The speaker highlights his party’s long-standing commitment and consistency in addressing this particular issue since 2013.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and ideological, sharply criticizing those who sought partial compromises that would have violated the constitution. Opponents (primarily the Reform Party) are accused of using the "Putinism narrative" as a political cudgel to force others into submission. Criticism is also aimed at Isamaa and the Social Democrats, who allegedly later aligned themselves with EKRE's stance, demonstrating their political weakness or lack of principle.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is dominant and uncompromising. The speaker claims that EKRE's unwavering adherence to principles forced the other parties (Isamaa, the Reform Party, the Social Democrats) to join their position. Cooperation is viewed as the surrender of the other sides to EKRE's unbending stance, rather than the result of mutual compromise. The speaker emphasizes that it was precisely EKRE's stubbornness that moved the political needle in the desired direction.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national level, dealing with constitutional amendments, citizenship, and the construction of the nation-state. Regional or local issues are not addressed, although non-citizens and citizens of other countries (Swiss, Canadians, Belarusians, Russians) are mentioned as a source of the problem.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around citizenship and suffrage, which are addressed within the framework of nation-state construction and the requirement of loyalty. It is stressed that the naturalization process must guarantee the mastery of the language and local customs, as well as allegiance to the state, specifically to prevent non-citizens from wielding disproportionate political influence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the adoption of the draft act amending the Constitution (Bill 536 SE), the purpose of which is to restrict suffrage solely to Estonian citizens. The speaker positions themselves and their party as the primary initiator and unwavering supporter of this bill, having successfully shifted the political landscape.
3 Speeches Analyzed