Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Interpellation concerning the tax cut for online casinos (No. 806)
2025-11-10
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The most striking issue is the fierce opposition to the tax cut for online casinos, which is viewed as a misguided priority by the government, especially considering the context of 26 previous tax hikes. The political stance is forcefully critical and results-driven, highlighting the government’s failure to address the tax burden faced by ordinary citizens. The speaker demands that the government implement tax cuts that truly benefit the public, rather than simply catering to lobby groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of tax policy and budgetary processes, referencing a specific number of tax hikes (26) and highlighting the absence of an impact assessment. Technical terms such as "tax receipts" and "administrative domain" are used, and reference is made to alternative tax incentive models (e.g., the American example). The speaker is also familiar with the concepts of lobbying and political packaging.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, ironic, and condemnatory, employing emotional appeals (the people groaning under the tax burden) and sharp criticism aimed at government decisions. Direct and memorable expressions are used, questioning the government's capacity for rational thought ("what exactly are these characters in government thinking with?"). Logical criticism (the absence of an impact analysis) is supported by an emotional contrast (casinos versus ordinary people).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the government and its leaders, who are sharply criticized for their political priorities (online casinos versus the people) and for catering to lobby groups. The criticism is intense, focusing both on the political substance and the procedures used to process the bill, hinting at the Prime Minister's political predicament in holding the coalition together. A compromise regarding the government's proposed bill is ruled out.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is antagonistic toward the current government, but the speaker indicates support for an alternative model of cultural funding (tax breaks for businesses), provided it is presented properly. The current draft bill is viewed as a "Brezhnev package," signaling a willingness to support substantive legislation rather than mere political deals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, concentrating on the tax policy of the Republic of Estonia, the tax burden faced by the Estonian people, and questions regarding the support of Estonian culture across the entire country.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform strongly opposes tax hikes and advocates for tax cuts for ordinary people, such as lowering the VAT on food products. The stance is critical regarding tax concessions for specific business interests (online casinos), particularly when the general public is struggling under the weight of the tax burden. We prioritize broad-based tax relief rather than catering to lobby groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The question of supporting culture stands out among social issues. The speaker deems this important, but criticizes the government's chosen funding method (via online casinos) as both unwarranted and ineffective. The commitment to cultural support is seen as nothing more than a pretext (it is being sold as cultural support).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is heavily directed toward opposing the proposed tax cut bill for online casinos, standing firmly against this initiative. The speaker demands the government withdraw the bill and instead initiate tax cuts beneficial to the public (such as reducing the VAT on foodstuffs).
2 Speeches Analyzed