Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The situation in the country
2025-03-12
The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the government's economic policy (tax increases) and the procedural legality of the change in government. The speaker emphasizes that the government's actions have led to an 11-quarter-long recession and violate the principles of parliamentary democracy and the constitution. The stance is strongly value-based, accusing the government of implementing lawlessness and arbitrary rule.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound knowledge of tax policy, detailing both enacted and prospective taxes and excise duty hikes, complete with percentages and dates (e.g., VAT at 24%, electricity excise duty at 45%, security tax at 2%). Furthermore, he exhibits expertise in constitutional law and parliamentary procedure, referencing Jüri Adams, the author of the constitution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely aggressive, accusatory, and emotional, employing sharp language (e.g., "the leader of the Reform yoke government," "a hormone-fueled teenager"). The speaker emphasizes the scandalous nature of the government's actions and the violation of the constitution, balancing the logical enumeration of taxes with intense condemnation. The tone is formal, yet confrontational in substance, accusing the opponents of deliberate deception and shirking responsibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Eesti 200, the Prime Minister (Kaja Kallas), and the President (Alar Karis). The criticism is both political (economic recession due to tax hikes) and procedural and moral (a violation of the constitution that "borders on the article concerning high treason"). The opposition is intense and uncompromising, accusing the opponents of deceiving people with no memory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text lacks any indication of cooperation or willingness to compromise; the speaker’s tone is entirely confrontational and condemnatory toward the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national issues, addressing the state of the Estonian economy, tax policy, and constitutional procedures. Regional or local focus is absent from the speeches.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, which, according to the speaker, have caused an 11-quarter-long economic recession. Specific criticism is leveled at the introduction of income tax, VAT, excise duties, and new taxes (such as the car tax, profit tax, and security tax). The speaker emphasizes that the government is responsible for the worsening of the economy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the tax laws enacted by the government (e.g., the income tax hike, the car tax, the VAT increase, the security tax) and highlighting their negative consequences. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the government’s tax policy and sharply criticizes the enacted legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed