Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second reading of the draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to excise tax hikes, stressing that these measures drive money and consumer spending into Latvia and trigger general price inflation across Estonia. The underlying framework is primarily a critique of the government's operational inefficiency and its detachment from reality, which directly targets the effectiveness of their policies. The speaker emphasizes that the expected excise revenue is not materializing, and this is a direct consequence of the government’s actions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding impact analyses of excise policy and border trade, thoroughly addressing the connections between sales figures and consumption statistics. Particular emphasis is placed on the methodological inconsistency of the Ministry of Finance's impact analysis, which is dismissed as "childish" and completely divorced from reality. Furthermore, an alternative explanation is provided for the statistical fluctuation in consumption, attributing it to the movement of sales points to Latvia and their subsequent return.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very combative, accusatory, and sharp, repeatedly using strong words like "demagogy," "out of touch with reality," and "extremely stupid." The appeals are primarily logical, focusing on refuting opponents' arguments (e.g., the link between consumption and mortality) and correcting data. However, emotionally charged and controversial ancillary claims are also included (e.g., linking vaccination to mortality).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data covers only a single day (December 4, 2024) of the Riigikogu sitting, demonstrating active participation during the second reading of the Excise Duty Act. The speaker intervened repeatedly to correct the opposing side’s assertions and present their own positions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government and the Ministry of Finance, who are accused of demagoguery, misleading the public, and pursuing policies detached from reality. The criticism is intense and focuses on policy failure, particularly regarding excise duty revenue and the impact analysis of border trade. Opponents are addressed directly ("dear Tanel," "in response to Epler").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A willingness to cooperate or compromise is not apparent; the speaker focuses on sharply correcting and refuting the opponents' arguments. All presentations are aimed at criticizing the government's policies and analyses.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily centered on the cross-border trade between Estonia and Latvia. It is stressed that Estonia's excise duty policy is pushing consumers and capital toward Latvia to purchase not just alcohol, but also fuel, essential commodities, and clothing.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to the excise tax increases, arguing that high taxes are inefficient and detrimental to the state budget because the expected excise revenue is not being collected. The speaker emphasizes that the government's actions have caused a general price hike in Estonia, which forces people to shop in Latvia, effectively moving all of the Estonian people's money across the border.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social topics addressed is the public health argument, which is considered demagogic for justifying the excise tax hike and which does not correspond to actual consumption statistics data. Furthermore, a controversial claim is presented: that the rise in mortality was linked to forced and mass vaccination, not with the reduction of excise taxes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Act 510 SE (Draft Act on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act and Other Acts). The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill, focusing on its economic inefficiency and negative impact on border trade and the state budget.
4 Speeches Analyzed