Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Debate on the nationally significant issue "The Drawbacks of Wind Power," initiated by the faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party.
2025-04-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the green transition, and especially to the large-scale wind industry, which is treated as a corrupt scheme ("green scam"). The central value-based stance is a categorical rejection of treating CO2 as an emission, labeling this fight concerning a gas necessary for life as an anti-human activity. The positions are strongly value-based and presented within a populist framework.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates an understanding of the constraints on renewable energy generation capacity, stressing that simply mechanically quadrupling the number of turbines would not resolve the underlying issues. Specific attention is drawn to an environmental chemistry concern, highlighting the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in turbine blades and its subsequent release into the natural environment (62 kg per year). Furthermore, expertise regarding planning procedures (detailed and general zoning plans, and impact assessments) and the question of local authority autonomy is also presented.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, sarcastic, and populist, employing strong, emotional language (e.g., "complete nonsense," "the green scam," "on a Goebbelsian scale"). The speaker attempts to simplify complex issues to explain them to the "common man," utilizing irony (e.g., "number magic") and rhetorical questions to cast suspicion on the motives of their opponents. The primary focus is on exposing the corrupt intentions of the opposition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data stems from a specific debate in the Riigikogu concerning an issue of nationally significant importance, which was initiated by the speaker's parliamentary group. The speaker intervenes repeatedly with questions and comments to emphasize their viewpoints and elaborate on certain topics. Data regarding other activity patterns is unavailable.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opponents are the Reform Party and green transition lobbyists, who are directly accused of corruption, siphoning off 3 billion euros, and handing out subsidies to their cronies. The criticism is intense and personal, calling the opponents' explanations regarding the safety of wind turbines "complete bullshit" and the fraud they are peddling "lies on a Goebbelsian scale." There is no willingness to compromise, as their activities are deemed hostile to the people.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is directed at the topic's presenter, from whom additional and more thorough explanations are requested concerning planning processes and health risks. The aim is to gain validation for existing critical viewpoints and to disseminate the information to the public. Data regarding cross-party cooperation or readiness for compromise is absent.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is nationwide, emphasizing that the planning areas for wind farms essentially cover the entirety of Estonia, both on land and at sea. Separate emphasis is placed on the constitutional autonomy of local governments and the need to protect residents' backyards from massive structures (the size of the Tallinn TV Tower).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are strongly opposed to the taxation of CO2 and the subsidizing of green projects (3 billion euros and 100 million in annual subsidies), which is viewed as corrupt money distribution. There are fears that the current policy will lead to the world's highest electricity prices. Nuclear energy is preferred, while simultaneously opposing the concurrent development of wind and gas power plants.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns public health and the living environment, emphasizing the negative impact of wind turbines on both humans and animals. Specifically highlighted is the health-damaging effect of Bisphenol A (BPA), which is released into the environment from the turbine blades.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards planning processes and safeguarding the autonomy of local government. The speaker is requesting clarification regarding what the public needs to monitor during the stages of detailed and comprehensive planning, as well as impact assessments. Through this initiated discussion, the speaker is adopting the role of a critic and an opponent.
6 Speeches Analyzed