Session Profile: Martin Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's amendments to the Planning Act, especially concerning the development of wind farms. The speaker emphasizes protecting the rights of local government and community involvement, and criticizes the discretionary power granted to officials. The position is framed on a value basis, focusing on local autonomy and the fight against corruption.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Planning Act and procedural norms, referencing notification deadlines (14 days versus 1 day) and the law's objective of reducing the role of local government. Specialized knowledge is employed in connecting climate goals and the development of wind farms, arguing that climate goals compel local governments to implement wind turbines.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, sharply critical, and sarcastic, employing strong emotional judgments (e.g., "corrupt, costly, hideous, environmentally destructive wind turbines"). The speaker utilizes antitheses (correct premises, flawed conclusions) and dismisses the opposing side's arguments as an embarrassing euphemism. The style is accusatory rather than evidence-based.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu plenary session debating the draft bill, raising repeated and consistent objections. Furthermore, one speaker referenced a previous private conversation (a tête-à-tête) with the Minister, demonstrating direct communication with members of the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the Reform Party and Eesti 200 government, which is accused of steamrolling local government and favoring corrupt projects. The criticism is intense and includes both political and personal accusations, such as the specific naming of Jaak Aab as an obstructer of the bill. No willingness to compromise is evident.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers back to previous cooperation within the government, specifically mentioning the failed attempt to reform the Planning Act due to internal opposition (Jaak Aab). The current approach, however, is entirely confrontational toward the government, emphasizing that the government is operating under special authorization rather than through genuine cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, emphasizing the protection of the rights of local governments and communities against the government’s centralizing policies. Of particular importance is the issue of informing and involving local residents in planning processes, which is currently being sought to be limited by law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance is manifested in opposition to wind turbine projects deemed both expensive and corrupt, particularly those linked to the government's issuance of special permits. The speaker criticizes regulations that grant officials excessive discretionary authority, arguing that this can undermine economic transparency and foster corruption.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Climate goals are treated skeptically and are seen as an excuse the government uses to override local communities and mandate the construction of wind turbines. The climate narrative is often illustrated ironically by referencing ordinary weather (rain, snow) in an effort to reduce its political significance. Data on other social issues is missing.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at opposing amendments to the Planning Act, which are intended to accelerate the construction of wind turbines by bypassing local involvement processes. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft bill, as it reduces the obligation of local authorities to inform and involve communities.
3 Speeches Analyzed