Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a proposal to the Republic's Government to lower the value-added tax on foodstuffs to 5 percent" (492 OE)
2024-11-07
15th Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker's core political stance is protecting the livelihood and welfare of the Estonian people during this crisis, urgently demanding that VAT on foodstuffs be lowered to 5%. He accuses the government of pursuing a deliberate policy that makes life harder for people and deems this socially unjust. The political framework is strongly value-driven, opposing large-scale ideological projects that undermine the standard of living.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the links between tax policy and inflation, highlighting specific data concerning the Consumer Price Index (a 4.1% rise) and the drastic increase in the prices of vegetables and fish. He/She broadly connects the economic issues to the green transition and the accompanying bureaucracy and requirements in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the practice of reduced VAT rates among European Union member states.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, accusatory, and ironic, employing sharp attacks against the government and the ruling coalition. The speaker utilizes emotional appeals (the suffering of the people, the struggles of the less fortunate) and sarcasm ("Thank you, party and government!"), accusing opponents of hypocrisy and prioritizing the allure of power over the welfare of the nation. He criticizes the opponents' suggestion to discuss the issue "somewhere behind closed doors" as a clear sign of embarrassment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in debates on the floor of the Riigikogu, participating both in substantive discussions (such as VAT) and procedural disputes (regarding quorum or the absence of the coalition). He/She points to repeated attempts (four times this year) to introduce an analogous bill in the committee, which demonstrates consistency in highlighting the issue. Furthermore, he/she is prepared to demand additional time and raise fundamental questions concerning the organization of the Riigikogu's work.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed at the government and the Reform Party, who stand accused of oppressing the Estonian people through high taxes and prices, and of stifling normal life. The criticism is both political (focusing on ideological projects and tax hikes) and personal/procedural, specifically accusing the coalition of absenteeism from the chamber and of hypocrisy. The speaker considers the government's activities to be in need of a medical diagnosis, which highlights the sheer intensity of these attacks.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stressed the need for cooperation with other opposition parties, pointing out that EKRE and the Centre Party have repeatedly put forward similar proposals. He supports the co-presenter's stance but remains uncompromising toward the coalition, calling on them simply to back the draft bill rather than looking for compromises. The coalition's absence is seen as an attempt to avoid doing work and sets a poor precedent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards the livelihood and well-being of the Estonian population at the national level. The speaker uses an international comparison to highlight Estonia's poor standing among European Union countries regarding the application of a reduced VAT rate on foodstuffs. Specific local or regional projects or communities are not emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports lowering taxes (specifically VAT on food) as a tool to improve the general population's livelihood, particularly for those who are less affluent. He/She is fiercely opposed to large-scale ideological expenditures (such as Rail Baltic and the green transition) and new taxes (like the proposed car tax), viewing them as wasteful projects and sources of price hikes that are ultimately passed on to consumers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on social justice and well-being, stressing that reducing the VAT on groceries would enable a large segment of the population to afford healthier and better quality food. He emphasizes that healthy options (vegetables, fish) should be accessible to everyone on a daily basis, not just the wealthy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to 5% (Bill 492 OE), the repeated submission of which underscores the importance of this issue. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and is also demanding that the proposed car tax bill be scrapped, arguing that it will trigger widespread price increases.
4 Speeches Analyzed