Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, centered on defending democratic institutions and the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure against the "totalitarian" behavior of the government and the board. Key substantive issues include tax reduction (the abolition of the car tax), the lack of trustworthiness in e-voting, and opposition to the extensive surveillance carried out by state authorities. The political position is framed by strong, value-based criticism, accusing those in power of breaking rules and engaging in corruption.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and procedural regulations, criticizing the decisions made by the Board (for instance, the arbitrary enforcement of the 51-vote requirement). Furthermore, he exhibits knowledge of the technical issues surrounding e-voting and the scale of the national surveillance system (PPA cameras), citing specific figures (20 million images per month). Detailed questions are also raised concerning the budgetary and demographic consequences of Ukraine joining the EU.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is predominantly combative, sharp, and accusatory, frequently employing emotional and strongly critical expressions ("disaster zone," "embarrassing," "classic thugs/connected types," "totalitarianism"). Emphasis is placed on logical appeal (referencing laws and internal regulations), but this is interwoven with moral accusations regarding the destruction of democracy and the breaking of rules. The speaker uses irony and rhetorical questions (e.g., "in the 'good grief' world").
46 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the work of the Riigikogu, regularly submitting motions of no confidence (K. Kallas, Svet, Alender), interpellations (Kallas, Michal), and draft legislation (tax cuts, the Nordica investigation committee, public holidays). Characteristic features include the frequent raising of procedural questions and making proposals to amend the agenda, often for the purpose of obstruction/filibustering.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Riigikogu Presidium and the coalition parties, who are accused of violating the rules of procedure, restricting the rights of the opposition, and introducing "arbitrary rule." Criticism is also directed at specific ministers (Kallas, Svet, Alender) for their incompetence, lies, and spreading Kremlin talking points. There is no readiness for compromise, with the opposition stressing that if rules are absent, they will not adhere to them either.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation primarily occurs within the opposition ranks, particularly when filing no-confidence motions, which include signatures from the Centre Party and unattached members of parliament. Communication with the coalition is characterized by a demanding and confrontational style, insisting that the rules be strictly followed. An offer of alliance is extended to the new government concerning tax cuts, but this is conditional and clearly politically motivated.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker's focus is predominantly national (tax policy, the education system, e-voting) and international (Ukraine's EU accession, a drone explosion). Regional focus is absent, although the scope of the national monitoring system (PPA cameras) is described as nationwide.
46 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of tax cuts, having initiated a draft law to abolish the car tax and criticizing the government for raising income tax, VAT, and excise duties. They demand the responsible use of state funds and accountability for management failures (Nordica investigative committee), and oppose large subsidies (offshore wind farms).
46 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly emphasizes the protection of civil liberties and privacy, criticizing the PPA’s extensive network of license plate recognition cameras as an "all-seeing evil eye." He supports amending the law on holidays and anniversaries to include the second day of Easter (Easter Monday) and to compensate for national holidays that fall on a weekend, citing Estonia as a "Christian European state."
46 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on maximizing the use of opposition control mechanisms, specifically by submitting votes of no confidence, interpellations, and draft legislation for establishing an investigative committee (Nordica). Substantive legislative proposals include repealing the car tax, amending the law on national holidays and important dates, and organizing a referendum on e-voting.
46 Speeches Analyzed