Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "On the Special Labeling and Sale of Insects and Insect-Containing Foods and Products" (222 OE)
2024-02-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the use of insects as food, which is viewed as part of a broader, weighty ideological agenda that restricts people's traditional choices (meat, eggs, milk). This stance is value-based, emphasizing the protection of traditional diets and freedom of choice against government intervention. The speaker frames the issue not as technical labeling, but as an attempt to normalize abnormality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the presence of insect flour in Estonian stores and the historical context of Asian dietary traditions, linking the consumption of insects there to overpopulation. The expertise focuses more on connecting ideological and global economic backgrounds than on presenting technical data. There is also awareness of the role of major producers (e.g., Bill Gates’ farms in Canada) in promoting the insect industry.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, insistent, and interrogative, employing strong ideological terms ("ideological program," "panic," "bugs"). The speaker relies on emotional appeals and fear of control, sharply contrasting the new direction with the traditional European diet. Repeated rhetorical questions are used to emphasize the unnatural and imposed nature of the policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 222 OE, which demonstrates active participation in the legislative debate. The speaker also referenced earlier discussions within the committee. There is no other information available regarding the frequency of appearances or public events.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are "public authorities" and the "European Commission," who are accused of imposing an ideological agenda and restricting traditional choices. Criticism is also aimed at global business interests, such as Bill Gates' massive insect farms, which are viewed as the driving force behind the change. The opposition is intense and ideologically charged.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to discussions held in the committee, but there is no information regarding cooperation with other parties or factions. They do not express any openness to compromise; instead, the preference is to unveil the ideological program.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international and pan-European trends (the role of the European Commission, Bill Gates in Canada) that affect the Estonian market ("on the shelves in Estonian stores"). Asia is used as a historical point of reference. Local or regional topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are expressed through opposition to new, global industrial interests (insect farms) and the protection of traditional foodstuffs (meat, eggs). A threat is perceived to conventional consumer choices, which are being attempted to be restricted for ideological reasons.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are highly prominent, as the topic of insects is directly linked to "the gay thing" and, more broadly, to the ideological program of declaring abnormality as normality. The speaker strongly defends traditional values and norms, opposing the public authority's attempts to change them.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 222 OE, which deals with the special labeling and sale of foods containing insects. The speaker supports the draft, using it as a platform to highlight opposition to the ideological and global underpinnings of the policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed