Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Sending Estonian Defence Forces to Ukraine
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to sending Estonian defense forces to Ukraine, deeming it a life-threatening and irresponsible step that jeopardizes the continuity of Estonia. Although Russia is recognized as the aggressor state, it is stressed that Estonia must not be the only border country that actively thrusts itself into the war. The political framework is strongly value-based, focusing on the survival of the Estonian nation and the protection of lives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the international situation, highlighting the stances of specific allied nations (the US, Great Britain, France, Poland, Finland) regarding troop deployment, emphasizing their lack of unity. An alleged figure (over 10,000) concerning Ukrainian deserters currently residing in Estonia is also utilized to support the argument against sending Estonian boys.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and urgent, emphasizing the vital importance of the topic for the continued existence of Estonia. Dramatic imagery is employed (e.g., "brought back in a zinc coffin") and personal attacks are made (calling Michal an emperor) to underscore the irresponsibility of the opposing side. There is a strong appeal to fear and national self-preservation, accusing opponents of treating the issue as a humor column.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and aimed directly at the government circles led by Prime Minister Michal, who stand accused of recklessly plunging the nation into war and jeopardizing the lives of the Estonian people. The criticism is both personal—referring to Michal as the "Emperor of Empire Estonia"—and moral, casting doubt on their capacity to grasp the gravity of the conflict. Compromise on the matter of deploying troops is entirely out of the question, given that this is an existential issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data on the style of cooperation is scarce, but the faction’s unified support for the constitutional amendment regarding alien passport holders is noted, indicating a readiness to collaborate on robust security issues. However, on the current issue (sending troops), there is absolutely no willingness to compromise with the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on Estonia's national security and continued existence, emphasizing Estonia's special status as a border state with Russia. The international context is used to show how Estonia is the only border state that wants to go to war, which underscores Estonia's isolation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The discussion focuses on the intersection of social and security issues, specifically demanding the deportation of over 10,000 Ukrainian draft dodgers currently residing in Estonia, prior to sending Estonian boys to war. The faction has previously advocated for an uncompromising approach concerning non-citizens (holders of the grey passport), signaling a robust national security stance on matters of citizenship and demographics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is the opposition to the government's political decision regarding the deployment of troops. Earlier support for the constitutional amendment concerning 'grey passport' holders is mentioned, referencing the faction's previous legislative activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed