Session Profile: Martin Helme
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-10
Political Position
The focus is heavily centered on two main themes: the complete distrust of the e-voting system and the lack of national defense capability under the Reform Party government. E-elections are viewed as a "bardak" (a total mess/chaos) and a tool for a coup d'état, demanding the restoration of the system's integrity. Regarding national defense, there is strong opposition to any Estonian military intervention in the war in Ukraine, deeming it irresponsible and destructive to Estonia. The entire position is strongly value- and results-based, accusing the government of failure.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the technical and legal flaws in e-voting, citing violations of security protocols, the failure to release the source code, and auditor conclusions regarding data integrity. He also possesses a comprehensive overview of the history of Estonian national defense development since 2007, highlighting specific decisions concerning military intelligence, the dissolution of the border guard, and the funding of air defense. Furthermore, he quotes the OSCE report and Supreme Court rulings to substantiate his claims regarding the lack of transparency in the elections.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is highly combative, accusatory, and ironic, frequently employing strong emotional appeals and outbursts ("an outright lie!", "this is a farce!"). The speaker resorts to direct personal attacks, accusing government members and officials of lying, "trolling," and "playing dumb." The style highlights demagoguery and irresponsibility, often utilizing repeated historical digressions concerning the opponents' past failures.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu plenary session, posing repeated questions and lengthy objections, which demonstrates a deep involvement in current political debates. They reference previous complaints filed against the Electoral Commission and the Supreme Court, indicating consistent engagement regarding the issue of e-elections.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Reform Party (Kristen Michal, Kaja Kallas, Jürgen Ligi) and government institutions (the Electoral Service, the Electoral Commission, the Supreme Court). The criticism is both policy- and procedure-based, accusing opponents of outright lying, corruption ("a small clique operating through mutual guarantees"), and organizing a coup d'état. A willingness to compromise is lacking, especially on the issues of e-elections and military intervention in Ukraine, which are considered dangerous for Estonia.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the clear and unified stance of their party (EKRE) and contrasts it sharply with the government's policy. He mentions that in 2022, the National Defence Committee sent a cross-party letter to the government regarding securing extra funding for air defense, but stresses that the government ignored this consensus.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on state institutions and international politics, particularly the war in Ukraine. There is also mention of border construction and the necessity of drone surveillance along the border, alongside local government elections, highlighting their link to national security and democratic deficiencies.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition is being voiced against the government’s fiscal policy, which has blown the budget and necessitates "dozens of tax hikes." Estonia’s capacity to support Ukraine at the expense of its own people is being questioned, stressing the need to first focus on promoting the security and prosperity of its own nation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No social issues are mentioned. They are referenced indirectly in the context of immigration, specifically referring to the accommodation of tens of thousands of Ukrainians in Estonia as part of the support provided to Ukraine.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary priorities involve tightening the election law and security regulations concerning e-voting, as well as enhancing the national defense budget and capabilities (specifically air defense and counter-drone systems). The speaker is a staunch opponent of the current government's policies and seeks to highlight past achievements in border infrastructure development.
8 Speeches Analyzed