Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Bringing in foreign labor
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The speaker adopts a strongly opposing stance on the introduction of foreign labor, stressing that it results in depressed wages and the emigration of Estonians. The political focus is placed on establishing wage requirements as the sole criterion that guarantees productivity growth and economic development. The framing of the immigration issue is value-based, accusing opponents of dishonesty and concealing their true intentions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the relationship between net migration, labor market wage levels, and economic productivity. They utilize specific data, citing a positive net migration trend spanning 15 years, and average wage figures for Harju County (€2,000) and specific sectors (€1,900). The professional focus is on the economic repercussions associated with importing low-wage foreign labor.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is very combative, accusatory, and ironic, especially when exposing the opponents' true intentions ("the public would surely take your head off"). Logical arguments are used regarding the economic impact of the wage demands, but they are presented with emotionally charged and confrontational language. The speaker uses examples of the abuse of exceptions, ironically referring to the average cable guy as a "great IT specialist."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are those who advocate for bringing in foreign labor at low wage rates, particularly employers unwilling to pay the average salary. The criticism is intense and highly political, accusing these opponents of acting dishonestly and exploiting legal loopholes—specifically the skilled worker exception—to import cheap labor.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speech is confrontational and challenging, focusing on criticizing the motives and policies of the opposing side. There is no hint whatsoever of a willingness to compromise or engage in bipartisan cooperation on the issue at hand.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national migration policy and the labor market, but a specific regional wage example concerning Harju County is highlighted to illustrate the issues with salary levels.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for economic growth achieved through increased productivity, rather than relying on cheap labor. He/She supports a strict wage requirement as the sole criterion that will force low-productivity businesses out of the market and develop the Estonian economy. The interests of local workers are prioritized over the business interests of low-productivity firms.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A key social issue is immigration and the negative effect it has on the welfare and wage levels of local residents. The speaker opposes mass immigration and the utilization of cheap labor, arguing that it causes Estonians to emigrate and drives down the overall standard of living.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The priority is legislative amendments regarding the criteria for bringing in foreign labor, especially the setting of wage requirements. The speaker opposes the current exceptions and regulations that allow lower-qualified workers to be brought in under the guise of skilled workers. He/She demands a clear answer as to what that specific salary requirement is.
1 Speeches Analyzed