Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft Law Amending the Value Added Tax Act (593 SE) – First Reading
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the incompetence, arrogance, and cynicism displayed by the government (the Reform Party and its coalition partners) in governing the country. The main issues highlighted are the social, healthcare, and demographic crises, demanding that the well-being of the populace be secured. The position is strongly value-driven and results-oriented, criticizing the ruling elite's inability to address the concerns of ordinary people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of issues within the social sphere (support for children with disabilities) and healthcare (the minister's positions, patient satisfaction). Detailed examples concerning the ruling elite's distribution of posts and nepotism are also presented. No technical or statistical deep analysis is provided; the focus is instead placed on emphasizing political consequences and moral aspects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing sharp criticisms of the government's actions ("bungling, arrogant, and cynical"). Ironic metaphors ("little golden keys") and common folk expressions ("the well-fed do not understand the hungry") are used to emphasize the moral divide. The style is primarily emotional and appeals to a sense of justice, rather than relying heavily on logical data analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the ruling coalition, who are intensely criticized both for their political decisions (tax hikes, social cuts) and for their personal morality (arrogance, cynicism, nepotism). Criticism is also aimed at specific business groups (bankers, wind turbine and arms dealers) whom the government allegedly favors. The confrontation is sharp, and the possibility of compromise is not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national crises, but to illustrate the severity of the demographic crisis, a specific regional example is highlighted from the city of Võru, where only two children were born last month. Reference is also made to the tax policies of other countries (the rest of the world).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly advocate for tax cuts, specifically pointing to lowering the VAT rate as a measure to improve the financial situation of the populace. Criticism is leveled against the government's inclination to prioritize large business groups (banks, wind farm developers, and arms dealers) at the expense of ordinary citizens and small business owners. There is a perceived need to redirect fiscal policy towards ensuring the welfare of the nation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The crisis in the social sector is highlighted, specifically pointing to the withdrawal of support payments for children with disabilities and the worsening state of healthcare (including ignoring patient satisfaction and the suggestion to Google one's own diagnosis). Demographics (low birth rate) are viewed as a major national crisis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act Amending the Value Added Tax Act (593 SE), during the discussion of which a speech was delivered. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill’s direction, as it does not include tax reductions, but rather raises them or leaves them high. VAT reductions are preferred in order to improve the situation of the people.
2 Speeches Analyzed