Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Debate on the matter of national importance, "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Estonian Reform Party parliamentary group.
2024-03-07
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the current energy policy and the climate crisis narrative, which is dismissed as hysteria and a "grandiose Goebbelsian lie." The primary concern is Estonia's energy production deficit and the resulting compulsory higher prices for consumers, caused by the dismantling of production capacity in Narva. They support the construction of a nuclear power plant as a long-term, stable solution that would eliminate the need for expensive cables and subsidies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding energy infrastructure, citing the decommissioning of the Narva production capacity, the routing of transmission lines (Latvia/Sõrve versus Finland), and the projected loads for offshore wind parks. Furthermore, detailed, albeit controversial, assertions about climate science are put forth, highlighting the marginal share of CO2 in the atmosphere and the historical temperature fluctuations of the planet.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, provocative, and emotional, employing strong metaphors and aggressive labeling ("charlatanism," "Goebbelsian lie," "madhouse"). There is a strong appeal to consumer fears and economic injustice, accusing opponents of engaging in a wealth redistribution scheme. It concludes with a direct threat of rebellion and revenge ("they will dip you in tar and feathers," "You will get an uprising").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the spearheads of the climate crisis narrative, "experts," and political opponents, who are accused of fueling hysteria and executing a wealth redistribution scheme. The criticism is intense and fundamental, rejecting the very premises underlying the policy. Compromise is ruled out, as the speaker refuses to participate in "charlatanism" and the achievement of a social consensus that would require higher payments from consumers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is confrontational and exclusionary, rejecting the achievement of any "social agreement" that would require consumers to accept higher costs. There are no references to cooperation with colleagues or other political parties, emphasizing instead their position as "the only sane person in the madhouse."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Estonia's domestic energy sector and infrastructure, highlighting the negative consequences resulting from the liquidation of Narva's production capacity. International connections are also addressed, specifically questioning the priority of constructing the line toward Latvia (Sõrve) over the Finnish direction. Furthermore, planned lines for Saaremaa are mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on protecting consumers from higher prices, and policies that force consumers to pay more are opposed. The current energy policy is treated as "the biggest wealth redistribution scheme of all time," where money is channeled into the bank accounts of a narrow clique. They support stable and cheap energy (nuclear power, oil shale without CO2 penalties) and oppose the subsidizing of renewable energy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues is on protecting personal freedoms and living standards, standing against the restrictions imposed by climate policy. It is emphasized that the government intends to take away people's cars, meat, trips to warm countries, and their own homes, which are part of the lifestyle changes being forced upon them by hysterics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the current energy policy and infrastructure development. The priority is the construction of a nuclear power plant, which would solve Estonia's electricity needs and eliminate the necessity for CO2 fines and the subsidization of renewable energy. The speaker is taking on the role of an opponent, criticizing the existing plans for line and park construction.
2 Speeches Analyzed