Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to reduce the VAT on foodstuffs to 9 percent" (579 OE)
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political platform focuses heavily on the economic situation and impoverishment of the Estonian people. The most crucial issue is the high VAT on food products, the reduction of which is considered a necessary solution to combat impoverishment. This stance is strongly opposed to the government's position, which denies the role of taxes in causing impoverishment and accuses people of "whining."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise is centered on the debate surrounding the VAT reduction and its political history, referencing previous discussions and the positions held by the Minister of Finance. The speaker demonstrates an awareness of the political discourse but does not utilize technical data or statistics. The expertise itself lies in highlighting political arguments and opposing viewpoints.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a direct, confrontational, and critical style, utilizing rhetorical questions to propose alternative explanations for the growing poverty. A powerful, quoted juxtaposition (the finance minister's assertion that people "are just whining") serves as an emotional appeal. The overall tone is one of concern regarding the public's economic standing and is sharply critical of the government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action is limited to a single intervention during the Riigikogu session, where questions are posed during the first reading of the draft bill (579 OE). The address is directed at the committee and the presiding officer, seeking clarification on the necessity of further scrutiny of the debate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, whose views are sharply criticized and directly quoted. The criticism is aimed both at Ligi's policies (high taxes) and his personal attitude towards people, whom he accuses of "whining" instead of actually being impoverished. The opposition is intense and rules out any possibility of compromise based on the justifications Ligi has presented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker courteously addresses the presiding officer and their colleague (Diana), actively participating in raising questions related to the committee's work. There are no indications of seeking compromises or cross-party cooperation; the focus is on clarifying opposing viewpoints.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the economic situation of the Estonian people and national tax policy (specifically, the VAT on foodstuffs). There are no references to specific regions, industries, or local issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the negative impact of the tax burden, especially the VAT on foodstuffs, on the impoverishment of the population. Lowering taxes is supported as a direct measure to improve the economic situation, and there is opposition to the government's justification of fiscal discipline. This position is strongly aimed at protecting the interests of consumers and the lower-income population.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the growing impoverishment of the Estonian people, which is viewed as a direct consequence of high taxes. This social problem is closely tied to economic policy and the government's attitude toward the population's hardships.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward Riigikogu Draft Resolution 579 OE, which concerns the proposal to lower the Value Added Tax (VAT) on foodstuffs to 9 percent. The speaker is a proponent of the draft and questions the need for further investigation into the topic, given that the debate has already been ongoing for a considerable time.
1 Speeches Analyzed