Session Profile: Martin Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
2024-09-16
Political Position
The political focus is on the demographic crisis and protecting the country's security and economic sovereignty from foreign influence. The attitude towards the government is strongly antagonistic, accusing it of cutting family and social benefits and exacerbating the demographic crisis. The political position is both value-based (supporting mothers and children) and performance-based (the failure of the government).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the fields of social policy (child benefits, extracurricular activities, small schools) and demography (the birth rate crisis). Specific knowledge regarding the dynamics of the real estate and land markets is also presented, emphasizing the impact of foreign buyers on rising prices. These topics are addressed in relation to the security aspect (infrastructure protection).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, emotional, and accusatory, employing strong condemnations such as "vile," "outrageous," and "scandalous." The speaker utilizes irony and derision directed at opponents and highlights a failure of morals and values. The objective is to instill in the audience a sense of the critical nature of the situation and the detrimental impact of the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or pattern (rhythm), but both speeches were delivered during a plenary session of the Riigikogu. The speaker is active in parliamentary debates, focusing on criticizing the government's actions and initiating parliamentary decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government and political forces, who are being criticized both for their policies (cutting benefits) and their ideological position (the mocking of mothers). The criticism is highly intense and includes accusations of jeopardizing national security by permitting uncontrolled immigration. The opposition is absolute, and no compromise is being offered; instead, they are demanding a complete reversal of the government's direction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No desire for cooperation or readiness for compromise with the government is mentioned; the focus is on a joint appeal by the Riigikogu to the government, which indicates a desire to mobilize the parliamentary majority against the government. There are no references to cross-party cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues such as the birth rate crisis and the impact of the real estate market on the Estonian people. Also mentioned are the closures of small schools and the difficulties young farmers face in acquiring land, which points to concern for the welfare of rural areas and the local population.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of protecting the Estonian populace from the negative impacts of the open market, particularly concerning the surge in real estate and land prices driven by foreign buyers. There is support for ensuring domestic economic accessibility and affordability, standing in opposition to the uncontrolled influx of foreign capital. Furthermore, criticism is leveled against government subsidy cuts, which directly impact the economic sustainability of families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues are the birth rate crisis and the protection of family values, criticizing the government's subsidy cuts and its "vile" attitude toward motherhood. Immigration is treated as a security threat, citing the large number of Russian-speaking people with unverified backgrounds who find it easy to acquire real estate. The importance of social benefits (healthcare, extracurricular activities) is emphasized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating a Riigikogu resolution, which is an appeal to the government aimed at solving the demographic crisis and restoring benefits. The speaker supports applying pressure on the government at the parliamentary level to force a policy change.
2 Speeches Analyzed