Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
The Bronze Soldier
2024-01-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus is heavily concentrated on the removal of the Bronze Soldier from public space, which is viewed as an affront to the dignity of the Estonian people and a vivid symbol of Russian chauvinism and imperialism. The stance is forceful and demands immediate action from the government, citing the new context created by the war in Ukraine. The speaker criticizes the government's inaction, highlighting the contrast compared to the successful removal of the Narva tank. The political framework is primarily value-driven and results-oriented, focusing on national dignity and the government's capacity to act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the process of removing Soviet monuments, referencing earlier decisions made by government commissions and the precedent set by the removal of hundreds of grave markers. They also have an overview of parliamentary voting behavior, knowing precisely which factions (the Reform Party, Estonia 200, the Social Democrats, Isamaa) voted against their proposal. Furthermore, they are up to date on the situation at the Defence Forces Cemetery, mentioning the dialogue police and the recommendations given to conscripts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and forceful, employing strong emotional appeals, such as references to "historical soul wounds being rubbed with salt." Sharp rhetorical questions and irony are used (for example, calling Ansip a "lemonade machine") to highlight the government's inaction. The speaker dismisses the opponents' arguments (the 'graveyard peace' or 'truce') as merely "searching for a pure pretext," emphasizing the logical contradiction established by the precedent of removing the Narva tank.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates engagement in the Riigikogu chamber, specifically by posing direct questions to the Prime Minister (Kaja Kallas) and participating in the debate following the vote on a specific legislative proposal. The speaker references a proposal initiated by their own party, which highlights their initiative within the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party, who face sharp criticism for their inaction on the Bronze Soldier issue. The criticism also extends to the coalition partners (Eesti 200, the Social Democrats) and Isamaa, since they voted against the proposal to remove the speaker’s party. The critique is primarily political and procedural, but it also contains an indirect personal comparison regarding the Kallas/Ansip family business ties with Russia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is confrontational, given that the speaker stresses that their party's proposal to remove the Bronze Soldier received no support from any governing party or Isamaa. No readiness for cooperation is expressed; rather, the demand is for the government to act independently and swiftly, citing the possibility of restarting the government commission.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national and symbolic, centering on the monument located in central Tallinn (Tõnismägi/Defense Forces Cemetery). The removal of the Narva tank is also mentioned, which demonstrates a broader state interest in eliminating Soviet heritage throughout Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social themes under discussion include historical memory, national dignity, and security, in opposition to Russian chauvinism and imperialism. It is stressed that the monument's presence disturbs the grave peace of Estonian military personnel at the Defence Forces Cemetery. The activities of the dialogue police were also mentioned, as was the recommendation for military personnel not to wear uniforms in the vicinity of the monument.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus was aimed at initiating a specific proposal in the Riigikogu for the removal of the Bronze Soldier from public space, a proposal which was ultimately voted down. The speaker stresses that the government does not need to wait for a parliamentary mandate; rather, it could act independently by activating the relevant governmental commission.
2 Speeches Analyzed