Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Traffic Act (694 SE)
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the motor vehicle tax and the registration fee, demanding their complete repeal, arguing they are unfair and detrimental to the economy. The current legislative amendments, which offer relief to large families and people with disabilities, are viewed as manipulative and a mockery of the public, as they fail to address the root cause of the problem. The political stance is strongly value-based and focuses on discrediting the government's actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a detailed understanding of the implementation mechanisms and administrative complexity surrounding the motor vehicle tax, requesting specific clarifications regarding tax rebates/recalculations, installment payments, and the effective dates of the legislation. An economic analysis is also presented, linking the imposition of these taxes to the collapse of the car sales market and a subsequent reduction in tax revenue. Special emphasis is placed on the effect of the registration fee on the used car market and changes in vehicle ownership.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely combative, ironic, and accusatory, utilizing strong emotional appeals and metaphors (e.g., "struck the back with a golden tax axe"). The speaker contrasts the government's alleged concern with the actual economic and social consequences, accusing the government of "trickery" and "foolishness." Both procedural questions and a lengthy political attack are employed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu session during the second reading of the draft bill, both raising procedural questions regarding the law's implementation and delivering a long, critical political speech. The questions are directed at a specific government representative (Anneli/Annely) and concern detailed administrative aspects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the governing coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Estonia 200) and especially at the former Minister of Finance, Mart Võrklaev. The criticism is both policy-based (concerning the detrimental effects of the taxes) and procedural, accusing Võrklaev of categorically refusing to consider the original amendment proposals. It is highlighted that the government's support has dropped to 11.5%, indicating widespread public dissatisfaction.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speech reveals no openness to compromise or cooperation with the government, as the speaker demands the complete abolition of taxes and considers the offered relief measures to be manipulation. The government's rejection of the initial amendments is highlighted as an example of disregard.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker addresses the concerns of rural residents regarding the car tax, noting that the levy impacts them severely. Germany is also brought up for comparison, where registering vehicles is cheaper than in Estonia, thus highlighting the failure of national policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong advocate for reducing the tax burden, demanding the abolition of the motor vehicle tax and the registration fee. It is emphasized that the tax policy has caused the collapse of the car sales market, reduced tax revenues, and damaged the economy as a whole. They support policies that foster economic growth and do not impede the replacement of vehicles.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong emphasis was placed on protecting large families and people with disabilities, accusing the government of ignoring their needs when the initial tax was introduced. The speaker uses these groups as an example of the government's negligence and subsequent pre-election manipulation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on the draft act concerning amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Traffic Act (694 SE), which is being strongly opposed. The objective is not merely to support cosmetic changes, but rather to achieve the complete abolition of the car tax and the registration fee.
3 Speeches Analyzed