Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Inquiry regarding the promotion of gender equality and equal treatment in private and family life (No. 268)
2024-03-04
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most striking theme is the opposition to gender equality and the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's categories, which is considered a blatant abnormality. The political position is strongly value-driven, questioning the necessity of expert knowledge in evaluating social norms. The speaker expresses strong resistance to the spread of identity politics symbols, citing gender-neutral traffic signs as an example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker denies the need for expert analysis regarding gender equality and sports rules, stressing that common sense is sufficient for pointing out the obvious. He/She demonstrates awareness of the symbols of identity politics, referencing, for example, rainbow-colored traffic signs in London. Furthermore, he/she broadly criticizes the role of experts in society, mentioning the topics of the pandemic and war.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is very combative, using strong and sometimes crude language ("male oafs") while appealing to common sense. The tone is skeptical and critical, especially towards experts and their activities, whom he accuses of making life worse. He uses rhetorical questions to emphasize the obviousness of his views.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or rhythm of these occurrences; this is a question raised within the scope of one specific inquiry. The speaker refers to personal observations (traffic signs seen in London), which suggests a certain degree of monitoring topics outside of official channels.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary groups being criticized are the "experts" (on COVID and war), whose knowledge, according to the speaker, has completely screwed up people's lives. The criticism is intense and is also aimed at those who advocate for gender neutrality and the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports. The critique tends to be value-based and personal, casting doubt on the experts' competence and morality.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is rather on international social trends, which are illustrated by an example from London (traffic signs). There is no emphasis on local or national projects.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focusing on social issues, the speaker concentrates on questions of gender identity, taking a strongly oppositional stance regarding the participation of transgender women in women’s sports. The speaker also sharply criticizes the proliferation of gender-neutral symbols (such as traffic signs), deeming it insane and impractical.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The address was delivered within the framework of the parliamentary inquiry concerning the promotion of gender equality, but specific legislative priorities or draft bills are not mentioned. The focus is rather on criticizing the social consequences of the policy and raising the issue of the role of experts.
1 Speeches Analyzed