Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the intense opposition to amending the Riigikogu Election Act and the e-voting system, which is widely regarded as unreliable and unconstitutional. The political stance is strongly values-driven, centered on defending parliamentary democracy and the fundamental rights of MPs, while simultaneously accusing the coalition of systematically violating rules and effectively abolishing parliamentarism.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly regarding the processing of amendments and the regulations governing faction breaks. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge of the technical and legal controversies surrounding e-elections, citing issues like the lack of auditability, the absence of proper oversight, and the narrow interpretation of earlier Supreme Court decisions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is extremely combative, dramatic, and insistent, utilizing heavily emotional language ("grossly violated," "brutally lied to," "the final nail in the coffin"). It appeals both to logic (by referencing laws and previous practice) and to emotions, accusing opponents of being part of a "liberal regime" and calling them "liberal activists," while labeling the entire process "arbitrary law."
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The member is highly active in the legislative process, focusing on obstruction during the bill's second reading. Repeated and systematic requests for 10-minute faction breaks before every vote demonstrate a deliberate strategy of procedural delay.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of the criticism are the governing coalition, the Riigikogu board, and the committees, who are accused of violating the rights of the MPs and disregarding the law. The criticism is predominantly procedural and political, claiming that the coalition no longer deems it necessary to take the opposition into account or seek compromises. Compromise is ruled out; the goal is to halt the proceedings.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is focused on internal coordination within the faction (the EKRE faction) to implement obstruction tactics and finalize a voting strategy. There are no indications of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation regarding the current draft bill; the approach is purely confrontational.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data. The discussion focuses exclusively on national legislative and electoral procedures.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data. Outsourcing IT development to Google, Apple, and Smartmatic is mentioned, but this is discussed only in the context of a lack of security and control, not as an economic policy position.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data. Failures of the digital state are mentioned (Apotheka data loss, entrance exams), but these are presented as examples of the government's general incompetence, not as socio-political standpoints.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the draft bill (344 SE) amending the Riigikogu Election Act, which would expand e-voting. The speaker is a fierce opponent of the bill, using every procedural tool available (calling for recesses, demanding votes) to obstruct and interrupt its processing.
17 Speeches Analyzed