Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft bill concerning the transfer of foreign prisoners to Estonia, viewing it as degrading to the nation's dignity and increasing the security threat. The criticism is aimed at the government's inability to guarantee the state's core functions, such as maintaining public order and the incarceration of criminals. The political framework is value-based and vigorously critical of the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedure, referencing the 51-vote requirement for bills that affect the budget and Article 50. Security arguments are also stressed, connecting the importation of foreign inmates with the empirical rise in crime observed elsewhere in the world. Furthermore, issues regarding the justice sector and prison administration are specifically highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and accusatory, employing sharp language ("trafficking prisoners," "failed government," "pervo-pact"). There is a strong appeal to national dignity and the necessity of ensuring security, while opponents are accused of cynical lying. Numerous emotional examples (Killer-Tarmo, African machete heroes) are used to support logical arguments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, participating in the information hour by asking questions and immediately reacting to previous statements made by other deputies and ministers. This indicates regular and direct participation in parliamentary debates.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, which is being called the biggest security threat to Estonia and Tartu due to their political and budgetary decisions. The criticism is intense and widespread, encompassing political decisions, procedural errors, and the government's incompetence. Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta and Valdo Randpere are criticized separately; compromise is ruled out, and the immediate rejection of the draft bill is demanded.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no willingness to cooperate; the speaker stresses that the bill must be rejected during the first reading. It is emphasized that EKRE will repeal this law at the first opportunity, which demonstrates a strongly confrontational approach. The governing parties (Eesti 200, Social Democrats) are mentioned as mere helpers of the Reform Party, not potential cooperation partners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly centered on Tartu, emphasizing that bringing in foreign prisoners primarily jeopardizes the security of Tartu residents. The security threat to the city of Tartu is highlighted in parallel with the national security threat.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on protecting the nation's dignity, criticizing the government for selling itself out to foreign powers "for mere pennies." It is stressed that the draft bill has a budgetary impact requiring 51 votes, highlighting the necessity of adhering to strict fiscal procedures. Empty prisons are considered a burden on the state treasury.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Security and the fight against crime dominate the social agenda, with demands that criminals be locked up. There is strong opposition to immigration, with foreign inmates being described as "the surplus of Muslim immigration" and "murderers, rapists, pedophiles." Opposition is also voiced against the Istanbul Convention ("the pervo-pact").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the foreign prisoners bill under discussion, demanding its rejection at the first reading. Significant emphasis is also placed on procedural issues, such as the requirement of 51 votes needed to adopt the bill. Future priorities include the repeal of the motor vehicle tax and the Istanbul Convention.
2 Speeches Analyzed