Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-26
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the restriction of voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens, which is justified by the construction of the nation-state and the protection of the constitutional preamble. This stance is very strong and principled, emphasizing the necessity of solving the problem of non-citizens wielding disproportionate political power. The political framework is clearly value-based, centering on the concept of the state and loyalty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in matters of constitutional law, citing the preamble of the constitution and addressing specific constitutional issues. Furthermore, a clear understanding of the naturalization process is provided, encompassing language instruction, the acquisition of local customs and regulations, and the expression of loyalty to the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative and confident, emphasizing the party's principled stance and success in steering the political arena. Strong emotional appeals and polarizing language are employed, labeling opponents' tactics as "peddling the Putinism narrative" and "hitting them with the Putinism cudgel." The speech concludes with a self-aggrandizing appeal: "you can thank us."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker attended the plenary session, delivering a substantive political statement and subsequently raising a point of order to request a new vote due to a malfunction of the voting console. The substantive address highlights the party's long-term (since 2013) consistent activity regarding this specific issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents were the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who were criticized for being unprincipled and for attempting to violate the constitution through half-baked solutions. The tactics of the opponents were particularly fiercely attacked; they attempted to label the party as "Putinists" in order to force them into a compromise. The attacks were intense and included personal accusations regarding their political motives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is rather dominant and uncompromising; the speaker claims that EKRE's principled stance forced other parties (Isamaa, the Reform Party, the Social Democrats) to adopt their position. No direct willingness to compromise is expressed; instead, emphasis is placed on others submitting to the party's unwavering line.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national and rooted in public law, concentrating on issues of Estonian citizenship and the nation-state. The international context is also mentioned, referencing citizens of various countries (Switzerland, Canada, Belarus, Russia) whose voting rights in Estonia should be restricted.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is citizenship and suffrage, where emphasis is placed on the construction of the nation-state and the requirement for loyalty. The naturalization process is supported as a positive mechanism, one that presupposes the acquisition of language and customs, as well as the expression of loyalty to the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is restricting voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens, a goal that has been in the party's platform since 2013. The speaker positions himself as the primary driver of this change, having forced other parties to alter their stance and prevented the "defilement" of the constitution.
3 Speeches Analyzed