Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Reconsideration of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA), Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft amendment of the Churches and Congregations Act, which was pushed through by the coalition, as it is unconstitutional and violates the freedoms of civil society. This stance is value-based, centered on protecting the constitution and warning against the emergence of a totalitarian social order. The speaker emphasizes that the law affects all religious associations, NGOs, and political parties, not just the Russian church.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional law and the mandates of security institutions, emphasizing that the state already possesses all the necessary means to resolve security issues. He has consistently analyzed the constitutional incompatibility of the draft bill and its broad impact on civil society organizations. He specifically references the sections and legal bases under which dangerous individuals can be detained or expelled.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, passionate, and accusatory, employing sharp warnings about the loss of freedoms and the threat of totalitarianism. Logical arguments regarding constitutionality are mixed with the ridicule of opponents' manipulation tactics (e.g., "Putin! Putin!"). The speaker uses repetitive and emotional language to emphasize the embarrassment and absurdity of the opponents' actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker points to active involvement in the legislative process right from the outset, noting discussions both in the committee and across all three readings. All three speeches were delivered on the same day during the re-examination of the law, highlighting a high level of activity at a critical moment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the coalition and the bill's proponents, who stand accused of deliberately violating the constitution and constructing a totalitarian regime. The criticism is intense, featuring accusations of demagoguery and manipulation, particularly noting the use of the "Kremlin agent" label to shut down dissent. Compromise is out of the question as long as the law remains unconstitutional, though support exists for making amendments following a presidential veto.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is confrontational and critical towards the coalition, given that they ignored previous constitutional warnings. There are no indications of cooperation with the coalition, but the speaker clearly supports the positions and objections raised by the President of the Republic concerning the unconstitutionality of the law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonia’s constitutional order, the tools available to security agencies, and the freedoms of civil society). Furthermore, it draws parallels with international political trends, referencing the activities of German security agencies and Russia's totalitarian regime, in order to warn against the direction Estonia might be heading.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are presented in a negative context, accusing the government of planning to seize people's money in addition to stripping them of their freedoms. This indicates opposition to the government's actions, which harm citizens' economic interests and involve a violation of the constitution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the protection of civil liberties and religious associations from state interference, stressing that the law undermines the constitutional rights of all churches and NGOs. He sharply criticizes the shift toward a totalitarian society where the police engage in filming and rummaging through databases without legal grounds, pitting civil liberties against the arbitrary power of security agencies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing and demanding amendments to the draft amendment of the Churches and Congregations Act (570 UA). The speaker opposes the bill, voted against it, and supports returning it for revision in order to eliminate constitutional conflicts.
3 Speeches Analyzed