Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Draft Law on the Approval of Amendments to Article 1 and Article 12, Subsection 1, of the Articles of Agreement of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (352 SE)
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is firmly in favor of rejecting the proposed bill concerning the expansion of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) activities into Africa. The speaker frames their opposition as the necessity to protect Estonian funds from corrupt wastage, referring to the move as "going to the casino of the Black Continent." The stance is strongly political and performance-driven, criticizing the current government for making "subpar decisions."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge regarding the functioning of the EBRD, its regional constituencies (Baltic and Nordic countries), and the allocation of seats on the Board of Directors. This expertise is highlighted by referencing his previous experience as Minister of Finance, where he immediately saw through a similar expansion plan and successfully shelved it. He is also familiar with the geopolitical and corporate interests driving the expansion (France, former colonies).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly critical, combative, and direct, employing strong, reductive phrases like "complete rubbish" and "Black Continent casino." The speaker criticizes the bill's presentations as "short, superficial, and also insincere," relying on both emotional (the wasting of money) and logical (the threat of corruption) appeals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of action centers on active participation in opposing the legislation during the first reading in the Riigikogu hall. The speaker refers to their party's absence from the committee meeting, justifying this by citing the disregard for the rules of procedure and the resulting impossibility of participating in the legislative process. He also emphasizes his previous activity as Minister of Finance in blocking similar plans.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the government and the bill's supporters, who are accused of making poor decisions and presenting insincere reports. Criticism is also aimed at the procedural aspect, as the committee is failing to follow its own rules of procedure. The speaker immediately rejects any compromise, proposing instead that the bill be rejected during the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is deficient and confrontational, as the speaker immediately proposes rejecting the draft bill. Cooperation with other countries (Baltic and Nordic) is described negatively because Estonia's role is limited to the enthusiastic support of other candidates (usually Swedes) without receiving any reciprocity or a representative position in return.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly international, centering on Africa as a corruption-prone destination where European funds are channeled. Geopolitical competition with China and Russia in Africa is also highlighted. Estonian interests are addressed within the context of the regional constituency, where Estonia is underrepresented compared to the Nordic countries.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is deeply skeptical of international development banking, viewing the EBRD’s expansion as a high-risk investment that primarily serves the corporate business interests of France and other southern countries. He emphasizes fiscal discipline and warns against the loss of Estonian funds due to corruption ("to a Swiss bank account").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the amendments (352 SE) to the founding agreement of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which concern the expansion of the bank's operations into Africa. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft bill and is the initiator of the proposal to reject it at the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed