Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Value Added Tax Act (596 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-22
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the VAT increase, emphasizing its negative impact on both consumer purchasing power and business revenues. The platform is value-driven and results-oriented, accusing the government of ignoring the concerns of the populace and linking their authority to controlling the e-voting system. The speaker views the tax hike as a detrimental domino piece that will ultimately lead to a decrease in state revenues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the impact of VAT on consumption and entrepreneurship, describing a simple economic chain reaction: a tax increase leads to price hikes, a decline in purchasing power, and a reduction in company revenues. Generalizations and logical inferences were used, not specific data or statistics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very combative, sarcastic, and emotional, utilizing irony ("slavery is freedom") and ridiculing opponents' arguments ("utter rubbish"). The speaker employs strong accusations and rhetorical questions to emphasize the absurdity and illogical nature of the opposing side's claims.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Delivering two speeches on the same day during the first reading of the draft amendment to the Value Added Tax Act demonstrates active involvement in the discussion of the bill. There is no information available regarding other events or appearances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Reform Party and the ruling coalition, who are criticized both for their policies (the VAT hike) and for the abuse of power (the control over the e-voting remote). Separately, Annely Akkermann’s claims regarding support for low-wage earners are attacked, as well as the government’s attitude toward entrepreneurs, whom they treat as "crooks." The criticism is intense and includes personal accusations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing nationwide tax policy and its impact on Estonian consumers and businesses more broadly. Specific regional or local topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that they reduce people's purchasing power and damage entrepreneurship, ultimately leading to a decrease in state revenues as well. The speaker defends business owners, challenging the government's narrative that tax cuts would simply be pocketed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on the livelihood and purchasing power of low-wage earners, sharply criticizing the government's claim that increasing VAT will improve their well-being. Social problems have been addressed purely within the context of economic survival.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft act amending the Value Added Tax Act (Bill 596 SE). The speaker is an active opponent who is attempting to demonstrate the bill's negative economic consequences and inherent unfairness.
2 Speeches Analyzed