Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (286 SE)
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is fiercely opposed to the government's tax policy, especially concerning the effect of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on food producers. The main emphasis is on guaranteeing food security and the survival of small producers, labeling the policy as "insane." The speaker prioritizes the protection of local food production and the preservation of consumer purchasing power.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of agriculture and tax policy, highlighting specific Estonian small producers and the difficulties they face (Pajumäe, Nopri farm). He uses international comparisons (Italy, countries with 0% VAT) to prove that lowering the VAT rate is passed on to the consumer. He connects tax policy with the broader issues of food security and the European Green Deal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and passionate, employing both emotional appeals (the dreams of small producers have been shattered) and logical comparisons. The speaker defends the use of interjections during the session, referencing the lively debate characteristic of the Finnish parliament. He labels the opposing side's arguments (that the tax reduction won't reach the consumer) a "very, very arbitrary claim."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the legislative debate, posing questions to the rapporteur and colleagues, and interjecting into the discussion. He/She refers to previous activities, such as attending sessions of the Finnish Parliament, which demonstrates an interest in international political practice.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the government's tax policy and the Reform Party, accusing them of budgetary irresponsibility (citing the abolition of the tax hump as an example) and presenting false claims. Organizations representing large producers are also criticized for attempting to show that Estonian farmers are "doing just fine." The criticism is intense and substantive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is interactive, involving direct address to colleagues (e.g., Arvo, Toomas) to either confirm or challenge existing knowledge and opinions. It seeks to engage others to validate its claims regarding the actual situation faced by farmers. There is no data available regarding cross-party willingness to compromise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily centered on Estonian small producers and rural areas, highlighting a personal connection to the Nopri farm located in Võru County. Furthermore, there is a significant international dimension, referencing the massive demonstrations by European farmers and the tax policies implemented in other countries.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to alleviate the burden on consumers and ensure the survival of small producers. He criticizes the government's tax policy, calling it destructive to agriculture, and points to excessive budget expenditures, citing the abolition of the tax hump as creating a larger budget hole than the proposed VAT reduction.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft amendment bill of the Value Added Tax Act (286 SE), emphasizing the necessity of lowering the VAT on foodstuffs. The speaker is an active opponent who seeks to highlight issues of food production and security within the scope of the draft legislation. He/She employs budgetary arguments to justify the potential cost associated with the tax cut.
3 Speeches Analyzed