Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
2024-05-28
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the ruling coalition, focusing on broken election promises, particularly concerning the promised pension hike (400 euros). Key issues include the deterioration of state finances and the introduction of new taxes, with the government being accused of "Putinistic" behavior. The focus is on criticizing the government's actions and its performance (a performance-driven critique).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of state finance, tax policy, and the pension system. They use specific data comparing inflation (34%) and the pension increase (17%) to emphasize the real decline in pensioners' purchasing power. Reference is also made to earlier Ministry of Finance assessments regarding the high cost of election promises.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, utilizing sharp personal attacks and comparisons (e.g., "Putinists"). Irony and sarcasm are employed ("Jürgen, you're in great shape today; there's no need to try using an axe") and the narrative of voter deception is heavily emphasized. The speech contains both logical arguments supported by statistics and strong emotional appeals aimed at pensioners.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity pattern is linked to the plenary session, where both substantive questions are posed to government representatives and procedural motions are submitted. The speaker, on behalf of the parliamentary group, requested a ten-minute recess before the vote and asked for procedural clarifications regarding the possibility of extending that recess.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the ruling coalition (SDE, Eesti 200), who are accused of destroying the nation's finances and deceiving voters. The criticism is extremely intense, featuring personal attacks (a reference to the Prime Minister's family business in Russia) and drawing comparisons to the Kremlin's conduct. The speaker calls on voters not to reward the representatives of the ruling coalition at the ballot box.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is visible internally within the faction, as demonstrated by the Estonian Conservative People's Party faction requesting a recess. There is a complete absence of any reference to cooperation with other parties or readiness to make compromises with the government.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues: the government budget deficit, pension policy, and tax hikes (on cars, real estate, and land tax), all of which affect every resident of Estonia. There is no regional focus.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes (car tax, land tax, excises, VAT, and the elimination of income tax exemptions) and emphasize the need to protect the purchasing power of pensioners. It criticizes the government's fiscal policy, which has resulted in a large deficit and growing national debt, warning of potential IMF intervention. It supports the view that the nation's finances were in better shape prior to the current government.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The economic situation and standard of living of pensioners are currently at the forefront of social issues, as they are widely regarded as victims of the government's policies. There is an emphasis on the real decline in their income, and people are asking how they are supposed to make ends meet under the Reform Party regime.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on resisting the tax hikes initiated by the government and the elimination of income tax exemptions. The speaker is an active opponent, utilizing the floor of the Riigikogu to critique government policy rather than prioritizing the introduction of new legislation.
7 Speeches Analyzed