Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 UA)
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political position is vehemently opposed to the car tax, which is deemed unconstitutional, hostile to the people, and criminal. Key issues include the deliberate creation of the state budget deficit and criticism of foreign aid and the funding of specific organizations. The policy is aimed at protecting the livelihood and welfare of its own people, demanding tax cuts. Faith in the state as a "common good" has been lost, as the government is fleecing the populace.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in finance and budgetary procedures, highlighting the absence of basic financial and impact analysis during the preparation of the draft law. Former finance ministers and academic teachings (Janno Reiljan) are referenced to confirm the epidemic scale of procedural errors. This expertise is also evident in specific details, such as the proportion of the registration fee and the fuel excise tax.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and condemnatory, employing strong words to describe the government's actions ("criminal," "incompetent," "persecutes, tortures"). Appeals are directed straight to the Estonian people, emphasizing their suffering and the deterioration of their ability to cope. The speaker repeatedly reiterates the demand for a vote on the amendments in order to demonstrate opposition and prolong the debate.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the legislative process, delivering a lengthy keynote speech and subsequently submitting repeated requests (over 15 times) for votes on amendments. This pattern of activity demonstrates a clear intent to prolong the process and publicly register opposition on every detail. All appearances occurred within a single day during the second reading of the motor vehicle tax bill.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the government, coalition MPs, and the Riigikogu board, who are accused of violating the constitution and antagonizing the people. The criticism is intense and widespread, calling the government's governance incompetent, cynical, and criminal. Compromise is ruled out because the entire idea of the car tax has been declared utterly flawed and unacceptable.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is centered on the faction’s internal unity, stressing that the entire parliamentary group of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia does not support the draft legislation. Solidarity is mentioned with the nearly 80% of Estonians who oppose the car tax, but there are no indications of collaboration with the coalition or other opposition parties.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on the Estonian state and the people as a whole, but specific emphasis is given to the need to ensure the livelihood of rural residents through tax incentives. International issues emerge in a negative context, criticizing the generous provision of foreign aid to Africa, Romania, and Moldova at a time when Estonia's own IT systems are collapsing.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions are strongly opposed to tax hikes, demanding a substantial reduction in the tax burden, while pointing to EKRE’s previous success in achieving 8.3% economic growth during the crisis. They criticize the state's generous foreign aid and the utilization of European Union funds, arguing that potential savings lie primarily in cutting expenditures. The car tax is viewed as aggressively raking through the pockets of the populace.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the focus is on ensuring the economic well-being of families with children and low-income individuals, offering them reduced car tax and registration fees based on the number of children. Criticism has been directed at the government's priorities, especially the support provided to "colorful LGBT organizations" through foreign aid.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the complete rejection of the motor vehicle tax bill (364 UA), which is widely considered unconstitutional. The speaker is an active opponent of the measure and has submitted 22 amendments aimed at mitigating the tax's negative impact. These proposals specifically concern reducing the registration fee based on the number of children and the vehicle's age (over 20 years) to ensure people can maintain their livelihoods.
21 Speeches Analyzed