Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Interpellation concerning the rise in the cost of living in Estonia (No. 599)
2024-03-04
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional to the government’s economic and tax policies, focusing on the negative impact of the rising cost of living and tax hikes. The speaker frames the government’s actions as contradictory and ineffective, characterizing them as "one step forward and two steps back." The primary focus is on criticizing the performance and results-driven nature of the government’s activities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the relationship between tax and social policies, stressing that tax hikes directly impact the recipients of social policy. Furthermore, the discussion addresses the cause-and-effect dynamics of economic downturns and the influence of public sector job creation (such as within the Ministry of Climate) on the broader economy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is skeptical, confrontational, and emotionally charged, expressing confusion and frustration regarding the government’s actions ("I really don't understand what world you people are living in"). Sharp rhetorical questions and logical contrasts are used to reject the government's positive rhetoric and highlight its ineffectiveness for the people who actually pay the bills.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There isn't enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed squarely at the government ("you"), which is being accused of lacking a grasp on reality and failing to understand the causal links driving the economic recession. The criticism is policy-driven, asserting that tax hikes effectively nullify any positive actions taken by the government, including increases in benefits and subsidies. The attacks are intense and actively reject the opposing side's positive narratives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is purely on national issues, addressing Estonia's economic recession, the rising cost of living, and the nationwide impact of government policies (tax hikes, the creation of jobs within the Ministry of Climate). Specific regions or local projects are not mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, especially when they negate the positive impact of social benefits and drive up the cost of living. Skepticism is voiced regarding the expansion of the public sector (for example, 800 new positions in the Ministry of Climate), with the suspicion that this will not contribute to economic recovery. The necessity of understanding the links between the causes and consequences of the recession is underscored.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on the impact of the cost of living on vulnerable groups, highlighting pensioners and their reliance on driving. The speaker emphasizes that those affected by social policy are suffering the negative consequences of tax policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on holding the government accountable and criticizing the consequences of current policies (tax hikes, subsidies) within the framework of the formal inquiry. Specific new bills or amendments are not being emphasized; instead, the concentration is on highlighting the failures of existing policies.
1 Speeches Analyzed