Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The speaker is intensely focused on the procedural integrity and democratic legitimacy of the Riigikogu, strongly opposing the violation of established rules and the termination of parliamentarism. The primary political focus is the opposition to the e-voting system, which is deemed unreliable, uncontrollable, and unconstitutional, thereby casting doubt on the legitimacy of the government and the parliament. The political framework is robustly value-based, emphasizing the rule of law and the protection of fundamental democratic rights.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act, particularly concerning the rules for handling amendments, committee work, and calling recesses. Furthermore, he/she possesses a detailed grasp of the technical and legal aspects of e-voting, including auditing procedures, data oversight (RIA, Electoral Service), and previous Supreme Court decisions. The speaker utilizes technical terminology (e.g., encrypted, IP addresses, outsource, Smartmatic) to clarify the deficiencies in the electoral system.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is very combative, accusatory, and insistent, utilizing strong phrases such as "grossly violated," "brutally lied to," and "the death of parliamentary democracy." He balances emotional appeals concerning the demise of democracy with detailed procedural and technical arguments. The speech is formal but includes sharp characterizations of the opponents' actions ("liberal regime," "liberal activists").
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
In the plenary session, the member is highly active, repeatedly engaging in procedural debates and posing questions. He systematically employs delaying tactics, repeatedly calling for 10-minute recesses for parliamentary groups before votes. This demonstrates a clear focus on obstructing the work of the Riigikogu and exploiting the procedural rules to the maximum extent possible.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the governing coalition (dubbed the "liberal regime"), the Riigikogu (Parliament) Board, and its committees, all of whom are accused of systematically violating rules and stripping the opposition of its rights. The criticism is primarily procedural and systemic, arguing that the coalition no longer feels obligated to consider the opposition or seek compromises. Furthermore, the speaker accuses "liberal activists" within the Supreme Court of providing political cover for these legal violations.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is evident internally within the faction (the EKRE faction), where obstructionist measures (requesting recesses) are coordinated and voting freedom is mentioned. There are no indications of collaboration with other factions or a willingness to compromise; the focus is on intense opposition.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national issues, covering the operation of Estonia's digital state, the legitimacy of elections, and the internal procedures of the Riigikogu (Parliament). A comparison with Russia concerning e-voting is brought up, but there is no focus on specific local or international projects.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data. The speech primarily concerns democratic procedures and the e-voting system, not economic policy, taxation, or the budget.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data. Although the inability of the digital government to organize entrance exams for children and the data loss at Apotheka are mentioned, these examples are rather a criticism of the digital government's inefficiency, not an expression of socio-political viewpoints.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the draft bill amending the e-elections law, with efforts underway to terminate its second reading. The speaker is a staunch opponent who is also fighting for the right of Riigikogu members to submit and vote on amendments—a right he considers central to their mandate.
17 Speeches Analyzed