Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-11
Political Position
The speaker adopts a strongly oppositional stance toward the government’s policies, particularly the increase in the tax burden (the car tax) and family policies, which are deemed hostile to children and families. The political framework is heavily value-based, focusing on the survival of the Estonian people, the protection of property rights, and opposition to radical left-wing agendas. He/She emphasizes the necessity of upholding the law and expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the European Union’s sanctions policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority on topics of social and economic policy, particularly in the fields of birth rates, immigration, and taxation (specifically the car tax). He references statistical data, emphasizing record-low birth rates and record-high immigration figures. Furthermore, he addresses international sanctions policy, noting the explosive growth in transit, which suggests an understanding of the shadow economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, utilizing strong and radical expressions such as "the most child- and family-hostile government of all time" and the accusation of "driving Estonians to extinction." It employs hyperbole and personal attacks, calling into question the credibility of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and accusing the government of brazenly lying. The style is focused more on emotional appeals and value conflicts than on detailed policy analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu plenary session, posing pointed questions to the government and commenting on the agenda. He/She emphasizes the dominant role of his/her party (EKRE) in initiating legislative work, noting that only bills and proposals submitted by them are on the agenda. This points to active opposition activity on the floor of the parliament.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed directly at the government and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who is accused of incompetence, cultivating a culture of lying, and pursuing policies hostile to fundamental values. The criticism is intense and deeply value-driven, accusing the government of being hostile to private property and neglecting the fate of the Estonian people. There is no sign of a willingness to compromise, as the government’s policies are viewed as radical and destructive.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker clearly defends the interests of people living in rural and remote areas, arguing that the car tax is an attack on them. Although this is a specific regional emphasis, his primary focus remains on national issues such as the birth rate, immigration, and the national debt.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to increasing the tax burden, especially the car tax, which he describes as fundamentally anti-property and anti-freedom. He criticizes the removal of family benefits and the increased tax burden, noting that this will hit families with children the hardest. He positions himself as a defender of personal choice and property rights against the leftist agenda.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is extremely critical of the government's family policy, accusing it of causing low birth rates and the extinction of families. He strongly opposes immigration, especially among Russian-speaking and Slavic people, and warns against Estonians becoming a minority. Furthermore, he criticizes the legal establishment of "perverse ideologies."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker stresses the role of their party (EKRE) as the initiator of legislative work, noting that the Riigikogu agenda features only the bills and proposals they have submitted to the government. He/She is strongly opposed to the car tax bill and any legislation concerning the reduction of family benefits or ideological changes.
4 Speeches Analyzed