Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws (609 SE) - first reading
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus centers on consumer protection and criticism of government actions, particularly concerning the dominant position of the Competition Authority and the potential for political direction thereof. The speaker strongly advocates for reducing the VAT on essential goods to ensure citizens have more disposable income, simultaneously raising doubts about the government's trust in the business sector. These positions are heavily driven by policy and results, offering sharp criticism of the government's underlying economic philosophy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding competition law and the jurisdiction of the Competition Authority, linking this to tax policy (specifically, the reduction of VAT) and consumer protection. They utilize hypothetical scenarios to test the actual impact of the new directive on protecting consumers. Furthermore, they reference earlier information provided by the Minister of the Interior (Läänemets), which suggests a certain level of awareness regarding the political background.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, skeptical, and occasionally ironic, employing phrases like "a very nice story" and metaphors (the lion and the lamb). The speaker poses sharp questions, accusing the government of treating entrepreneurs as *a priori* criminals, yet attempts to remain logical and highlight political divisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data indicates activity during the first reading of the draft amendment to the Competition Act, with consecutive questions being raised regarding the bill’s impact and implementation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are members of the government (Finance Minister Ligi, Prime Minister Michal, former Prime Minister Kallas), who are criticized for their tax policy and their negative attitude toward businesses. The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on the government's assertion that tax cuts do not reach the consumer. Skepticism is also expressed regarding the independence of the Competition Authority, with suggestions that it might be following "the directives of those currently in power."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national laws and economic policy, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and the jurisdiction of the Competition Authority, without any specific regional emphasis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports increasing consumer purchasing power through the reduction of VAT on essential goods. It criticizes the government's position that merchants would pocket the tax cut, citing the need to regulate the market in the consumer's interest and protect the state's potential loss of revenue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is the cost of living and consumer financial protection, emphasizing the need to ensure that tax reductions on essential goods are passed on to the public.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the critical analysis of the draft bill amending the Competition Act (609 SE) and its impact on consumer protection. The speaker’s objective is to use the new directive as leverage to reintroduce the draft bills concerning VAT reductions on food and essential goods to the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed