Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-04-01
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based and conservative, focusing on the protection of the traditional family (one man and one woman) and opposing mass immigration, which is viewed as a threat to the survival of the Estonian nation. The actions of the government are sharply criticized for deepening the demographic crisis, economic decline, and implementing anti-democratic measures. The speaker positions themselves as an opponent of liberals and cultural Marxist ideas, demanding an end to the abuse of state power.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in migration statistics and demographic data, providing specific figures regarding immigration and net migration, and comparing these to other Baltic states and the Soviet period. Furthermore, the speaker possesses detailed knowledge of cases involving illegal fines imposed by the police and the subsequent annulment of court decisions (e.g., the cases of Kristel Proos), referencing specific court rulings and individuals.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply aggressive, emotional, and accusatory, employing strong language to label opponents ("pathological liar," "liberals are the new fascists," "to stir up trouble"). The speaker appeals to national survival and traditional values, linking the opponents' actions to historical totalitarian patterns (communism, the Reds in power). The opposing side is often accused of failing to answer substantive questions and engaging in manipulation.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the plenary session, delivering multiple lengthy speeches and posing questions on various topics, even utilizing the extended speaking time (eight minutes). All the speeches are dated to the same day, suggesting intense involvement in specific debates (redefining marriage, immigration, and police activity).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who are accused of lying, cultural Marxism, and undemocratic practices. Strong criticism is also directed at the Social Democrats and Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets, who are accused of justifying the abuse of power by security agencies and sliding into a totalitarian pattern. The criticism is predominantly value-based and personal, calling into question the moral and democratic legitimacy of the opponents.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is restricted solely to supporting their own party or their benchmate Varro Vooglaid and agreeing with his views. There is no indication whatsoever of openness to compromise or inter-party cooperation, given that the government's activities are considered inherently undemocratic and reversible.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national and international topics, addressing the continued existence of the Estonian nation, the birth rate crisis, and comparing Estonia's migration volumes with other European countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Finland). The topic of Ukrainian war refugees is also covered, and referendums in 15 European countries are compared.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are expressed in sharp opposition to the government’s tax policy (the car tax) and benefit cuts (the removal of child benefits), which reduce prosperity and the sense of security. The economic decline is emphasized (GDP has been in decline for eight consecutive quarters), and it is claimed that immigration makes Estonian people poorer and increases state budget expenditure.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are central to the platform, emphasizing the protection of the traditional family (mother, father, children) and opposing the redefinition of marriage to include same-sex couples, labeling it as "the destruction of marital normalcy" and "perverse." Immigration is viewed as a critical threat that will lead to the "Russification of Estonia." There is also sharp criticism directed at the systemic abuse of power by law enforcement agencies and the violation of fundamental human rights (e.g., illegal fines imposed on protesters).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at reversing the redefinition of the concept of marriage, which should be achieved either through a referendum or by other means. Furthermore, there is a demand to tighten immigration restrictions, specifically by eliminating or severely limiting exceptions, in order to curb mass immigration, the volume of which now exceeds even Soviet-era levels.
10 Speeches Analyzed