Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-25
Political Position
The core political stance is strictly value-based, requiring voting rights to be exclusive only to citizens of the Republic of Estonia in all elections (Riigikogu, local, and European). The most critical issue is amending the constitution regarding suffrage in local elections. In this matter, there is strong opposition to any compromise that would guarantee non-citizens the right to vote. The speaker deems a half-measure solution that allows gray passport holders to participate a "rotten egg" and a trashing of the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
A high level of expertise is evident in the field of electoral and constitutional law, clearly distinguishing the regulatory levels between the Constitution and the Election Law. The speaker refers to the history of the law's implementation (spanning over 20 years) and uses specific figures, mentioning approximately 25,000 non-citizens and 30,000 Russian citizens who vote in local elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, dramatic, and urgent, employing strong negative metaphors such as "rotten egg" and "defiling the constitution." The appeal targets core values and a sense of threat, stressing that any compromise will weaken the constitution and that this issue will not be revisited. The speaker also uses accusatory language, referencing the opponents' "extortion" and "aggressor state rhetoric."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates active participation in the plenary session debates, requesting a three-minute extension of speaking time. The Member focuses on obstructing the legislative process by proposing to suspend the second reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the coalition, and especially the Social Democrats ("Sots"), who are accused of blackmail and imposing a solution that undermines the constitution. The criticism is both political (substantive) and procedural (concerning the coalition's voting strategy). Compromise is categorically ruled out because it does not align with a clean solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is rigid and uncompromising, emphasizing the unified opposition of their faction to the draft bill. The Speaker sees no possibility for collaboration if the outcome involves undermining the constitution, and prefers the process to be halted or postponed until it is possible to ensure that voting rights remain exclusively reserved for Estonian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is no regional focus; instead, the emphasis is on the national and constitutional level, particularly regarding the broader regulation of local government elections in the Estonian context.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the restriction of voting rights based on citizenship, demanding that this right should belong exclusively to citizens of the Republic of Estonia. The speaker links the question of non-citizens' suffrage to security concerns, referencing the rhetoric of the aggressor state and the voting participation of Russian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft bill to amend the constitution regarding voting rights in local elections. The Speaker opposes the bill and is initiating procedural steps, proposing to suspend the second reading, and vowing to vote against the amendment if it includes suffrage for 'grey passport' holders.
2 Speeches Analyzed