Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Income Tax Act (597 SE) - First Reading
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, criticizing it as arbitrary and incompetent mismanagement. The primary focus is on the government’s motives and allegiance: are they serving their own people or external interests (the IMF) and personal career ambitions within the European Commission? The critique is fundamentally one of capability and values, underscoring the hardship faced by the populace.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker is well-versed in tax matters, referencing specific proposals such as the car and property taxes, and the limitation of the tax exemption for land under one's home. They also possess knowledge of international institutions (IMF) and political developments within the European Union, which is utilized to criticize the government. Technical data is not employed; instead, the focus remains on the political consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong language such as "lashing out," "audacity," and "suffering." Rhetorical questions are utilized to cast doubt on the government's motives, and emphasis is placed on a previous lie (by Kaja Kallas). The style is personalized, focusing heavily on political betrayal and failure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two speeches delivered on a single day in the Riigikogu (Parliament), which indicates active participation in the tax-related debate. There is also mention of an earlier question posed to the Prime Minister regarding taxation, suggesting consistent monitoring of the issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is extremely intense and highly personalized, aimed squarely at the government and Kaja Kallas in particular. The criticism centers on personal dishonesty (lying about taxes) and the government's overall inability to govern the country. The attacks stretch from political decisions all the way to personal motives (securing a high-ranking position in the European Commission).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the Estonian people, state governance) and the international level, criticizing external influencers (the IMF) and European Union institutions. Specific local or regional topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, criticizing the government’s tax policy as chaotic and detrimental to the public. They oppose new taxes (car tax, property tax) and restrictions (the tax exemption for land under one’s home), stressing that these measures do not leave people with more money in their pockets.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on strongly opposing the draft bill to amend the Income Tax Act. More broadly, the priority is preventing tax increases and avoiding the introduction of new taxes (such as property tax and car tax), thus acting as an opponent rather than an initiator or supporter of the bills.
2 Speeches Analyzed