Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Inquiry Regarding Tax Increases (No. 647)
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s tax hikes, stressing that these will cause business bankruptcies and price increases. It criticizes the breach of the prime minister’s promise (tax peace until 2027) through the planned excise duty increase proposed by the Ministry of Climate. The political framework is outcome-based, focusing on the negative impact of the government’s policies on the economy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the impact of tax policy and excises (packaging excise) on business and consumer prices, especially from the perspective of food producers. The argument is backed up by information from media reports about company closures and bankruptcies caused by tax increases.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational and emotionally charged, posing direct and repeated questions to the opposing side. Strong language is employed, along with references to personal attacks (e.g., "dousing someone with sewage"), and significant attention is paid to procedural fairness and criticizing inappropriate language used at the podium.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the debate, repeatedly posing clarifying questions and demanding answers that reflect "the real world." In addition to the substantive discussion, he/she actively engages in evaluating the actions of the session chair and the rules governing parliamentary language use.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed both at the government's economic policy and a specific minister, who is accused of giving inadequate responses and engaging in improper conduct. The criticism is intense, ranging from political disagreement to a complete lack of personal trust, citing a previous personal attack and the refusal to accept an apology.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation. The speaker focuses on criticizing the opposing side and assessing the presiding officer's actions in maintaining order.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic policy issues, such as the impact of tax increases on Estonian businesses and consumers more broadly. Specific regional industries or communities are not mentioned.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that they will drive businesses into bankruptcy through rising input costs and reduced consumption. They support the principle of tax peace and express concern regarding the difficulties faced by food producers and other entrepreneurs.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on the interpellation concerning tax increases and opposes the Ministry of Climate's planned amendment to the packaging excise duty. It operates as a critic and opponent of government initiatives, rather than as an initiator of new bills.
8 Speeches Analyzed