Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
A campaign spreading fear of war on the streets of Tallinn
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political stance centers on strong opposition to state-funded information and psychological operations (psyops) that sow hysteria and fear among the Estonian people. The speaker deems this activity cynical and stresses that taxpayer money is being used to create damaging propaganda. This is a value-based position, accusing the state of collective complicity and crossing ethical boundaries.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in the terminology of information and psychological operations (IO/PsyOps) and in evaluating their effects. Furthermore, they are familiar with previous political and legal precedents related to advertising law and public order violations (such as the cases involving Jaak Valge and Marko Mihkelson). They specifically highlight the selective identification and application of legal statutes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, emotional, and accusatory, expressing disgust and indignation regarding the government's actions ("disgusting to listen to"). Strong contrasts and rhetorical questions are employed to emphasize the existence of a legal double standard. The discourse is direct and centered on moral condemnation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency of occurrence or routine activity patterns.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the government and authorities, who are accused of carrying out cynical psycho-operations and selectively applying the law. The criticism is intense and focuses on ethical and procedural injustices, pointing out that legal statutes are immediately found to prosecute opponents, but their own activities remain unrestricted. Opponents are also accused of cynically exploiting national issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data regarding willingness to cooperate or coalitions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Tallinn, highlighting the Mustamäe district (where the image of a bombed house harms the refugee family living there) and the Old Town (the bas-relief of the deporting official). Although the theme is national, it is grounded in concrete local examples.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The only economic stance is strong opposition to using taxpayer money to fund unethical information operations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social topics addressed include national identity issues and immigration. The campaign is criticized for causing stress to Estonian children and directly harming families who fled Ukraine. There is also criticism regarding the concealment of nationality in cases of crime, specifically referencing citizens of Russian ethnicity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at criticizing the legal double standard, where laws are not enforced to remove posters or fine the perpetrators. The priority is the fair and impartial enforcement of existing laws and the removal of inappropriate memorials (the bas-relief of a deportation organizer).
1 Speeches Analyzed