Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
2024-09-18
Political Position
The political position is strongly anti-government, focusing on poor economic management, excessive taxation, and the financing of the green transition. The speaker claims that Estonia is no longer a free country, citing liberal totalitarianism and the political bias of the prosecutor's office. The criticism is both policy-based (tax hikes) and value-based (the loss of freedom).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the state budget and tax revenue, presenting specific figures (e.g., the car tax at 230 million euros, total revenue around one billion euros). Separately, knowledge of the specific conditions and the expected number of recipients for the large enterprise support measure (160 million euros) is highlighted. He/She is able to compare the growth in tax revenue and defense spending to demonstrate the allocation of funds toward the green transition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive and accusatory, employing strong emotional phrases such as "Goebbelsian lie," "legalized corruption," and "simpletons and corrupt officials." The speaker balances logical appeals (the presentation of tax figures) with sharp accusations regarding the government's unethical behavior and incompetence. The tone is predominantly confrontational and condemnatory.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the Riigikogu information session, referencing regular attendance at parliamentary sittings. Data regarding the frequency of other activities, events, or appearances is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the government and the Reform Party, who are being accused of economic destruction and corruption. The criticism is intense, ranging from policy issues (tax hikes, the green transition) to ethical accusations (legalized corruption, bias within the prosecution service). The speaker suspects that the 160 million euro support measure is specifically aimed at a businessman closely associated with the Reform Party.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, dealing with the Estonian economy, tax policy, and legal system. Regional projects or local communities are not emphasized, apart from a reference to the Lihula monument case in the context of freedom.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that they kill entrepreneurship and funnel money into the green transition instead of national defense. The speaker is also against the corporate support measure (€160 million), deeming it unreasonable and legalized corruption. It is stressed that the money is being taken from socially vital sectors (maternity benefits, extracurricular education) and handed over to businessmen close to the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, concern is highlighted over the restriction of civil liberties, citing the Lihula monument and the issue of COVID-era vaccinations as examples, and labeling government supporters "liberal totalitarians." The speaker criticizes the cutting of social benefits (like parental leave pay and health insurance for stay-at-home mothers) in order to finance corporate subsidies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at opposing the government's tax increases and budget priorities. Specifically, criticism is leveled against the support measure for large corporations, whose terms are allegedly tailored specifically for a single recipient, and the disclosure of that recipient is being demanded.
2 Speeches Analyzed