Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-20
Political Position
The political stance is strongly value-driven and centers on constitutional law, demanding that suffrage be stipulated exclusively as a special right reserved for Estonian citizens. The speaker forcefully opposes the coalition's proposed constitutional amendment, arguing that it provides a constitutional guarantee for non-citizens to retain voting rights, and labeling this act the "vandalization" of the constitution. The overall political rhetoric is highly oppositional, accusing the government of engaging in political maneuvering and spreading propaganda.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and constitutional interpretation, conducting a fact-check on the current state of suffrage and emphasizing the unique procedural requirements for amending the constitution. Specific data on the size of voter groups (30,000 Russian citizens versus 24,000 non-citizens) is utilized to justify their similarity. Furthermore, reference is made to the constitutional restrictions found in other countries, specifically Ukraine.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of rhetoric is extremely combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong phrases such as "the Reform Party regime" and "defacing the constitution." The appeals are primarily logical (demanding consistency and constitutional integrity), but are delivered in an emotionally charged tone, accusing the coalition of hypocrisy and "crude behavior."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active participant in the debate on the draft constitutional amendments during the plenary session, presenting both lengthy statements and clarifying questions. This pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on the legislative process and the continuous criticism of the coalition's actions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the ruling coalition, especially the Reform Party, which is accused of trampling on legitimate expectations and the hypocrisy inherent in stripping citizens of their rights (citing the COVID era, restrictions on free speech, and limitations placed on the rights of gun owners). The criticism is both political and procedural, accusing the coalition of ramming the constitutional bill through "by brute force" and "spitting in the face" of the opposition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is demanding a search for compromise "across the board" (broader than just within the coalition) to secure the votes necessary for amending the constitution, setting this as a prerequisite for cooperation. At the same time, strong distrust is expressed, noting that the coalition began its search for compromise by ignoring the opposition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national and constitutional level, addressing the question of political power in Estonia. The international focus is limited to discussing the voting rights of citizens of third countries (Ukraine, Albania, Turkey, Switzerland, Norway) and the mechanism of bilateral agreements.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data. It only briefly mentions the removal of "business freedoms" during the COVID era, which is part of a broader critique against the government's restriction of rights.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes the protection of civil liberties, criticizing the restriction of free speech through the "hate speech narrative" and the curtailing of gun owners' rights. The social focus is heavily centered on integration, calling into question the loyalty of non-citizens, given that they have neither learned the language nor integrated.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is restricting suffrage, thereby supporting the exclusive right of Estonian citizens to vote in all elections. The speaker opposes the coalition's draft bill but supports amending the constitution, provided it is executed properly and also includes revoking the voting rights of non-citizens.
4 Speeches Analyzed