Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition, centered on the current government (Reform Party, Eesti 200, Social Democrats) breaking their pre-election promises and pushing what they deem the most egregious tax hike plan in history. The main emphasis is placed on the deterioration of the livelihood of pensioners and working people caused by these tax increases. The stance is framed as a critique of both the government's actions (performance-driven) and its ethical standards (lying).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thoroughness regarding the government's tax policy and budget deficit, comprehensively listing both enacted and proposed taxes and excise duties (e.g., car, sugar, and plastic taxes, and several excise duty hikes). Specific monetary sums are also referenced in connection with the abolition of the tax bump (half a billion) and the increase in the budget deficit (from 1.2 billion to 1.7 billion).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very passionate, sharp, and combative, employing strong emotional appeals and sarcasm directed at opponents. There is repeated direct addressing of the Estonian people, warning them against deception and urging them not to vote for the governing parties in the elections. The speaker also uses recurring phrases and metaphors, such as "in firm strangling hands" and "read my lips."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu debate, participating in the second reading of the income tax act bill. The absence of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas from the state budget discussions due to her being abroad is noted.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Kaja Kallas, and the coalition partners (Eesti 200, Social Democrats). The criticism is extremely intense, focusing on the government's lies, broken promises, and the personal persecution of pensioners (referencing Jürgen Ligi's earlier statements). The opponents are dubbed the "party of liars," and compromise is ruled out, with calls to vote against them in the elections.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style is evident among opposition colleagues, acknowledging the amendment proposed by colleague Helir-Valdor Seeder concerning state fees. There is absolutely no indication of any readiness to compromise with the ruling coalition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national issues, addressing the daily livelihood of Estonian people and the state budget. The international dimension is limited to references to the Prime Minister’s foreign trips and a call not to elect Reform Party representatives to the European Parliament.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly oppose tax hikes, stressing that the country has sufficient funds if the government abandons the abolition of the tax hump and implements savings by cutting bureaucracy. They are critical of government spending, especially concerning the "assistance programs" that have funneled money out of the country. The government is being accused of implying that the Estonian people have lived too well, and now they must pay for it through tax increases.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the focus is on the economic well-being of pensioners and protecting them from tax hikes, with accusations that the government is persecuting them. There is also mention of the abolition of income tax exemptions for children and spouses, which undermines the livelihood of families.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft act amending the Income Tax Act (416 SE), which abolishes the income tax exemption for pensions. The speaker calls on members of the Riigikogu to vote against the bill, viewing this as merely the beginning of the path toward freezing pensions.
5 Speeches Analyzed