Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
2024-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker is strongly and fundamentally opposed to the introduction of the motor vehicle tax, considering it profoundly wrong and unconstitutional, as it contradicts the will of the majority of the people (76% opposition). This political position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the supreme power of the people and social justice, and the tax is promised to be abolished upon coming to power. The opposition to the draft legislation is justified by both the economic harm and the security risks it entails.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed awareness of the specific impacts of the draft bill, highlighting the taxation of wheeled tractors and small producers' machinery in rural areas. Technical aspects are also addressed, such as the taxation of vehicles temporarily removed from the traffic register and the tax's effect on vehicles subject to requisition as defined in the National Defence Act. The argumentation is supported by referencing Article 56 of the Constitution and the percentage of public opposition.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is highly combative, critical, and emotional, employing sharp expressions (e.g., "to skin someone alive/to fleece them heavily," "to stab them in the back with a tax axe"). The speaker appeals directly to the Estonian people, attempting to build a unified front against the government's actions, and stresses the social consequences of the tax (poverty, loss of freedom). Logical arguments (indirect taxation, regional policy) are mixed with strong political accusations leveled directly at the government.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is extremely active during the Riigikogu session, delivering long substantive speeches and making repeated procedural demands. The recurring pattern involves demanding votes on amendments and taking 10-minute recesses, which suggests the use of obstruction tactics to hinder the processing of the draft bill.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of lying, cynicism, and taking money from the public under the guise of ideological goals (the green transition, abolishing the tax hump). The government is criticized for incompetence and negligence, as well as for inciting fear of war to justify the imposition of a tax. Compromise is ruled out, with demands that the legislative proceedings on the bill be terminated.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker’s style in the Riigikogu chamber is confrontational and geared toward obstruction, focusing on the submission of procedural demands (votes, recesses). There are no references to cooperating with the coalition or other parties to improve the draft bill; instead, the public is urged to elect different parties.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on rural areas and rural entrepreneurship. It is stressed that the car tax inhibits the development of small producers and family businesses, increases rural unemployment, and will lead to the depopulation of rural areas. Furthermore, the risk that people in the countryside will fall into mobility poverty is specifically highlighted.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to increasing the tax burden, especially through indirect taxes, which impact all consumers (leading to higher prices for food, heating, and transport). The tax is viewed as a mechanism for taxing and redistributing wealth, which undermines people's ability to cope financially and deepens poverty. The preference is for an economic environment that supports entrepreneurship and freedom of movement.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is "mobility poverty," which poses a threat to low-income workers, pensioners, and young families, restricting their access to employment and the necessary education for their children. Owning a car is viewed as a guarantee of freedom and a better quality of life. There is criticism regarding the government’s cynical approach to suggestions that people should apply for subsidies and benefits.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE). The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill and proposes suspending the bill’s proceedings during the second reading. Furthermore, obstruction tactics are being employed in the work of the Riigikogu, repeatedly demanding votes on amendments and calling for recesses.
16 Speeches Analyzed