Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft resolution "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government regarding the introduction of a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector" (487 OE) – first reading
2024-10-22
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is currently on imposing a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector, a measure the speaker strongly endorses. This stance is motivated by the principle of fairness and the concern that foreign banks are siphoning excessive profits out of Estonia while the Estonian economy is in decline. The speaker employs an outcome-based framework, comparing Estonia’s situation with Lithuania’s successful experience in implementing such taxation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the pricing and conditions of banking services (loans, interest rates) and international economic comparisons (Lithuania, Sweden). He emphasizes the high cost of services in Estonia compared to the banks' home country and asks about specific profit calculations. The expertise relies more on general economic trends and comparisons rather than the presentation of specific technical data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and forceful, utilizing strong emotional language, such as accusing banks of "skimming the cream." The speaker employs comparative logic, contrasting Estonia's declining economy with Lithuania's success following the implementation of a bank tax. He rejects the opposing side's arguments (e.g., that the consumer will bear the cost) and dismisses the advance income tax as "a pittance."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets are the major Swedish banks, who are accused of generating excessive profits at Estonia's expense and engaging in unfair pricing (specifically, higher loan interest rates). The criticism is intense and politically driven, aimed also at those who defend the banks' current tax regime or claim that the tax burden will ultimately fall on the consumer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic policy, which is analyzed in an international context by comparing Estonia to both Sweden (the country of origin for the banks) and Lithuania (a successful example of taxation). It is emphasized that the Estonian economy and consumers are suffering due to both the activities of foreign banks and the state's omissions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly supports the taxation of large financial institutions through a solidarity tax to halt the outflow of profits from Estonia and ensure fairness. It considers the current situation unjust and believes that taxation is necessary to restore economic growth, citing Lithuania as a positive example. It advocates for state intervention in regulating the financial sector and distributing profits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (487 OE) concerning the establishment of a temporary solidarity tax for the banking sector. The speaker is a strong supporter of this measure and uses their remarks to emphasize its fairness and economic necessity, attempting to convince others that not implementing the tax would be economically harmful to Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed