Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-01-22
Political Position
Strong opposition to the government’s policies, particularly forced renovations and the car tax, which are deemed economically burdensome and ideologically rooted in a command economy. The criticism is predominantly value-based and results-oriented, accusing the government of destroying Estonia and making people poorer through tax hikes, the dismantling of the family unit, and Russification. The speaker stresses the defense of property rights and the principles of a market economy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker provides detailed information regarding infrastructure projects (Tallinn-Tartu, Saaremaa bridge, PPP models) and European Union directives (building energy efficiency, 2030 deadlines). He uses specific economic data, citing the rise in the Statistics Estonia Consumer Price Index (37.4% since the end of 2020) and the insufficient funding for road maintenance (78 million instead of the necessary 600 million). He also presents critical arguments concerning the environmental impact of electric vehicles.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, sharp, and confrontational, accusing ministers of outright lying and insulting the intelligentsia. It frequently employs strong ideological terms and comparisons ("communism," "command economy," "the globalists' idiotic plan," "serfs") and appeals to emotions by describing the hardships faced by ordinary people and utilizing personal examples (experience with the apartment association, Nõmme logistics).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
A very active and consistent speaker during the plenary session, submitting multiple inquiries and remarks consecutively on the same date, focusing primarily on transport and economic issues. He/She mentions participation in the European Union Affairs Committee and previous work on the board of a housing association.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the government as a whole, who are accused of abandoning the market economy, establishing a planned economy, and destroying Estonia. The criticism is intense and ideological, ranging from accusations of lying ("read my lips") to demands for the immediate removal of the government.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information is missing regarding current cooperation with other political parties. Initiatives of the previous government (involving EKRE) are mentioned, such as the funding of the Mäo section and the study of PPP models for infrastructure projects.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on national infrastructure projects that connect major cities (Tallinn-Tartu, Tallinn-Pärnu/Ikla, Tallinn-Narva), as well as the Saaremaa bridge project, emphasizing the importance of connecting Estonia's regions. A personal residence in Nõmme, Tallinn, is also mentioned to illustrate transport and logistical challenges.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supportive of the market economy, standing in opposition to the command economy and state encumbrances on private property. It opposes new taxes (such as the car tax) and tax hikes, stressing their negative impact on inflation and the impoverishment of the populace (citing a 37.4% price increase). It favors PPP models for infrastructure development and criticizes the high expense of Rail Baltic.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is aimed at economic injustice and poverty, highlighting the plight of single pensioners and young families who are directly threatened by government financial burdens (such as renovation costs and the car tax). It stresses that 90,000 single pensioners are forced to go hungry before their pension day.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative topics are the opposition to government-initiated taxes (the car tax) and obligations arising from the European Union (building energy efficiency). It emphasizes the importance of infrastructure projects (four-lane highways, the Saaremaa bridge) initiated during the previous government, which have been halted by the current government.
8 Speeches Analyzed