Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Local Government Council Election Act (290 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the defense of the nation-state and restricting suffrage in local elections exclusively to Estonian and EU citizens, with the aim of strengthening the Estonian people's right to be masters in their own land. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the importance of the preamble of the constitution and the preservation of the Estonian language and culture. The speaker strongly opposes mass immigration and globalist policies, which, in his estimation, are taking the country away from the Estonian people.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in electoral law, constitutional interpretation, and immigration statistics, citing specific figures and years regarding the increase in immigration. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of local government in education, culture, and spatial planning, as well as the mechanism of the presidential electoral college. This expertise is also apparent in the comparison of Estonian politics with Latvia's stricter demographic policy and the negative example set by Sweden.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, combative, and forceful, utilizing a strong nationalist framework and warning against the disintegration of national security and the national fabric. Both logical arguments (the dimension of the presidential electoral college) and emotional warnings (mass immigration, the Swedish scenario) are employed. When accusing opponents, the style relies on labeling ("liberals-globalists") and irony ("left-wing whining").
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The operational pattern focuses on the discussion of the Riigikogu draft bill, directly responding to Kaja Kallas’s recent statements and the public debate regarding the restriction of voting rights. The speaker references data from the Population Register and reports from KAPO concerning the growth of the Muslim community, demonstrating a reaction to fresh information.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and Kaja Kallas, who are accused of cynical political maneuvering, insincerity, and polarizing society using a "divide and rule" tactic. The Reform Party’s proposal to restrict voting rights only for citizens of Russia and Belarus is considered weak, ill-conceived, and propagandistic. The government’s policy as a whole is being branded as hostile toward its own people.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is conditional: other parties are being offered the opportunity to support EKRE’s simple and actionable bill, which restricts the franchise (voting rights) for citizens of all third countries. Simultaneously, the Reform Party is being criticized for failing to come to an agreement or test the waters before their public squawking.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and international immigration, but the strategic importance of local government (KOV) through education, culture, and planning is also emphasized. It is mentioned that due to the high proportion of non-citizens, forces hostile to the indigenous population are in power in these municipalities. Reference is also made to Tallinn, Kohtla-Järve, and Kuressaare as places where the demographic picture has changed.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is limited, but it is emphasized that Estonia is one of the most generous providers of social benefits, which acts as a motivator for immigrants. It is also noted that Latvia and Lithuania have economically surpassed Estonia, pointing to the positive consequences of Latvia's stricter demographic policy.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is mass immigration, which is treated as an existential threat to Estonians as an indigenous people. The goal is assimilation, not integration. Zero immigration is supported, and the emigration of the non-indigenous population is encouraged. The restriction of voting rights is seen as a motivation for immigrants to complete the naturalization process.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Their legislative priority is the adoption of their own bill (290 SE), which aims to strip all third-country nationals of their right to vote in local elections. The purpose of the bill is to make the right to vote an exclusive privilege, mirroring the rules for Riigikogu (Parliamentary) elections. The speaker stresses that this solution is simple, clear, and actionable, unlike the proposal put forward by the Reform Party.
10 Speeches Analyzed