Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Act on Simplified Taxation of Business Income and the Income Tax Act, and the Act on the Repeal of the Security Tax Act and the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (Bill 734 SE)
2025-10-13
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government’s compilation of the tax benefits list, emphasizing the need for extreme caution when altering tax policy. The primary focus is on the unfair distribution of these benefits, raising the question of why affluent NGOs (such as the Estonian Refugee Council) receive exemptions, while funds dedicated to helping the Estonian people (like Väravifond) are excluded. This entire ordeal is framed as reckless government action that is insulting to the public.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge regarding the financial data of specific non-profit organizations, citing exact net profit figures (half a million, 3.9 million euros), the number of employees (35), and average salaries (2,500 euros) for the NGO Eesti Pagulasabi. This indicates thorough preparation and establishes them as an authority on the topic of NGO taxation and financial analysis.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is directly challenging and critical, employing sharp rhetorical questions when addressing the minister to cast doubt on his diligence ("So, you've been extremely cautious, then?"). The speaker combines specific financial data (a logical appeal) with an emotional framework, referencing previous statements that were "insulting to the Estonian people."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the minister and the government, criticizing their lack of prudence and the unfair procedure used in compiling the list of tax concessions. The criticism is sharp, hinting at incompetence and negligence in the shaping of tax policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the impact of tax policy on non-profit organizations operating in Estonia and on assisting the people of Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for extreme caution in tax policy and is critical of granting benefits to economically powerful NGOs that generate significant profits. The preference is to direct tax incentives toward organizations that directly assist the Estonian people, citing the need for a fairer distribution of tax revenue.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues touched upon include refugee aid (the NGO Estonian Refugee Council) and domestic welfare (Väravifond). The speaker questions the necessity of tax benefits for the refugee aid organization given its strong financial indicators, seemingly preferring support directed toward domestic aid funds.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Bill 734 SE (amendments to tax laws), specifically targeting the list of tax-exempt NGOs. The speaker is acting as an opponent who demands greater diligence and caution from the government when drafting the bill and assessing its impact.
1 Speeches Analyzed