By Months: Martin Helme
Total Months: 11
Fully Profiled: 11
12.2024
20 Speeches
Demonstrates knowledge of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and protocols, criticizing the board's inconsistency in following the advice of the Legal and Analysis Department, and submitting procedural proposals. Addresses economic topics (excise policy, budget balance, bank tax) and energy security (oil shale energy, environmental standards). Uses demographic statistics (birth rate crisis, proportion of suicides) when criticizing social policy.
11.2024
26 Speeches
Demonstrates authority on economic and financial topics, utilizing specific statistical data regarding price increases (e.g., electricity +187%, food +48.7%) and inflation since 2021. Is familiar with constitutional law principles concerning electoral rights and constitutional amendments, as well as the details of the investigation into Nordica's management failures. Refers to their previous experience as Finance Minister to counter accusations regarding activity-based budgeting or unbalanced budgets.
10.2024
37 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of public finance and the budget, citing concrete figures (e.g., 57 km of Via Baltica, 521 million in fuel excise duty, 18 million in cuts). They are well-versed in the nuances of lawmaking and parliamentary procedure, criticizing both the violation of existing laws and the practice of resolving individual cases via new legislation. Furthermore, they utilize statistical comparisons (Estonia's economic decline versus Latvia's/Lithuania's growth) and make references to previous government terms.
09.2024
35 Speeches
The text demonstrates a high level of expertise in economic and financial matters, citing specific budget deficit figures (e.g., 1.4–2.1 billion in overspending) and recession statistics (10 consecutive quarters of decline). It also displays detailed knowledge of national defense capabilities, comparing the inventory of weapon systems before and after the war in Ukraine, and critiques the cost escalation of Rail Baltic (2.7 billion). Furthermore, the text is current on legislative specifics, particularly Section 1511 of the Penal Code (KarS) and the relevant provisions of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure.
07.2024
13 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in budget and economic matters, referring to specific deficit magnitudes (1–1.5 billion) and cost estimates (green transition 15 billion, support for Ukraine 300–500 million annually). Technical terms such as "maksuküür" (tax hump) are used, and reference is made to the differences between tax revenue forecasts and reality (VAT revenue being a quarter lower).
06.2024
9 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise on budget priorities (naming specific expenditures for Rail Baltic, Ukraine, and the green transition) and on the topic of European Union enlargement (budgetary, agricultural, and demographic impact). He employs technical terminology such as "options," "conflict of interest," and the "Platform Work Directive," stressing the necessity for detailed calculations and forecasts. He also references his work preparing tax legislation while serving on the Finance Committee.
05.2024
38 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in understanding the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and procedural rules, as well as in criticizing the technical and legal aspects of e-elections, demanding the auditability of logs and data. They are also well-versed in the specifics of the education sector (EIS failures, the salary coefficient for Ida-Virumaa) and the cost evolution of major projects (Rail Baltic). In their economic critique, they cite specific figures regarding inflation and pension increases.
04.2024
48 Speeches
The speaker provides detailed immigration and economic statistics, drawing comparisons to the 1980s and citing figures for GDP decline. Furthermore, he is well-versed in the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act and procedural regulations, and he criticizes how amendments and interpellations are processed. When discussing energy, he uses large investment figures (4–5 billion) to critique the green transition, proposing the construction of a nuclear power plant as an alternative.
03.2024
65 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates authority and detailed knowledge in the fields of energy policy (biofuels, the environmental footprint of wind and solar energy, subsidization) and tax policy (VAT, excise duties, the income tax curve), referencing previous experience as Minister of Finance. The speaker utilizes specific statistical data (inflation at 37.5%, food price increase at 40%) and presents technical arguments regarding the cost of renewable energy. Furthermore, the speaker possesses a strong understanding of the Riigikogu (Parliament) Rules of Procedure and legislative processes, particularly concerning the voting thresholds for draft resolutions (DRs).
02.2024
31 Speeches
High competence is demonstrated across topics related to the state budget, taxation, and key economic indicators, often citing specific figures (e.g., a €247 million shortfall in VAT collection, 37.5% cumulative inflation). Expertise is also evident in analyzing the financial management of state-owned enterprises (such as Nordica/Estonian Air) and the profitability of the banking sector (approaching zero billion euros). Furthermore, detailed explanations are provided concerning the mechanisms of tax incentives and support for the agricultural sector.
01.2024
48 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates a high level of detail regarding defense policy and armaments, citing specific figures (the number of indirect fire systems, and the procurement of HIMARS and K9s). He/She utilizes economic terminology and statistics (Consumer Price Index, the pace of inflation, the Rail Baltic cost-benefit analysis) and challenges official migration figures by presenting alternative calculations. The professional authority is also strong concerning the handling of corruption cases (Slava Ukraini) and internal security matters.