Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-06
Political Position
The speaker heavily focuses on energy policy and immigration issues, opposing the government’s renewable energy plans, which he deems expensive and environmentally damaging. He demands the protection of tax sovereignty against international pressure and resolutely advocates for restricting voting rights exclusively to citizens, stressing the preservation of the nation-state and the status of the indigenous population. The political framework is strongly value-driven and highly critical of the government's actions, accusing it of pursuing criminal policies and employing tactics of deception.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the energy sector, using specific data regarding the environmental footprint of renewable energy and the production cost of oil shale electricity (e.g., 2–3 cents vs. 9 cents/kWh). They are also well-versed in tax policy (OECD, directives) and population statistics, highlighting immigration figures (36,000 since 2016) and naturalization numbers.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is extremely confrontational, accusatory, and emotional, repeatedly employing strong language such as "disgusting," "criminal gang," "brazen, brutal lie," and "lying directly to people's faces." He appeals for direct political accountability ("to tar and feather them") and, alongside logical arguments, exploits national and security-related fears (drawing parallels with Sweden, mentioning Kremlin-aligned representatives).
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered during the plenary session of the Riigikogu on March 6, 2024, focusing on debates concerning draft legislation and interpellations. The speaker references their prior experience as Minister of Finance and mentions specific media coverage (the Editor-in-Chief of Põhjarannik) and political statements (Kaja Kallas’s stand-up routine and the Munich Conference). Information regarding daily activities or travel is unavailable.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the government, who are accused of destroying the economy, corruption (funneling billions to interest groups), and cynical political-technological signaling. The criticism is intense and ranges from the substance of policy (energy) to personal accusations (Kaja Kallas as a lobbyist). Compromise with the government is ruled out, especially concerning the half-baked solution regarding the restriction of voting rights.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker shows no willingness to cooperate with the ruling parties, deeming their policies criminal. He criticizes the Reform Party’s “arrogance” in needing EKRE’s votes to restrict suffrage, stressing that meaningful cooperation necessitates an agreement on a comprehensive citizen-based solution.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker primarily focuses on national and international topics, such as EU directives and global immigration. The regional focus includes mentioning the economic downturn in Ida-Viru County and emphasizing the role of local governments (LGOs) in education, culture, and planning (for example, the placement of wind turbines). The influence of LGOs on the presidential election via the Electoral College is also highlighted.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the government's energy policy, which he/she believes is the root cause of the economic downturn and drives up electricity costs (citing subsidies and CO2 penalties). He/She also opposes raising taxes and adopting international tax regulations, arguing that these measures diminish Estonia's tax sovereignty, increase bureaucracy, and ultimately result in lower tax revenue for Estonia.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker’s primary social priority is the defense of the nation-state and restricting suffrage for all third-country nationals, aiming to prevent representatives of hostile ideologies from gaining power in local government units (LGUs). He stresses the necessity of a strict immigration policy and sets the goal of assimilation, rather than mere integration, for immigrants, warning specifically against a Sweden-like scenario.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's priority is amending the Local Authorities Election Act so that the right to vote is an exclusive privilege for Estonian citizens. He/She opposes the adoption of the EU Tax Directive (Pillar 2) and proposes rejecting the draft bill because it infringes upon tax sovereignty.
17 Speeches Analyzed