Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-10
Political Position
The political focus is on revitalizing the economy through the reduction of the standard VAT rate, emphasizing its positive impact on purchasing power and competitiveness. The speaker's position is strongly policy-driven, centering on fostering economic growth via tax cuts. He also considers the plurality of opinions in the Riigikogu important and intervenes in procedural matters, such as defining the language used in parliament.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of tax policy and legislation, focusing on the specifics of the Value Added Tax Act, including standard and reduced rates. He/She presents economic arguments that directly link a VAT reduction to falling prices, increased purchasing power, and improved business competitiveness, referring to these points as "very simple economic truths."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and analytical, particularly in the technical presentation of the draft bill, where logical argumentation is employed. Simultaneously, the speaker adopts a procedurally corrective role, intervening to ensure order in the chamber and attempting to define the extreme language ("abuse") utilized within parliament. Ultimately, the tone is persuasive and appealing, requesting support for the bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, presenting draft legislation and participating in debates. He/She highlights the lengthy procedural delay of the bill he/she initiated (submitted in May 2023, under discussion in January 2024), which indicates consistent, yet slow legislative activity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the Riigikogu committee, which did not support the submitted bill for lowering the value-added tax, and the speaker expresses regret over this. Furthermore, he/she indirectly criticizes the extreme language used by the previous presenter, asking whether it meets the definition of "abuse."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker values the plurality of opinions and the substantive debate, thanking the previous presenters (including Martin Helme) for their balanced presentation. They show respect for differing views but express disappointment over the lack of cooperation at the committee level, which resulted in the draft bill being left unsupported.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level, addressing the competitiveness of Estonian companies, the purchasing power of residents, and overall economic growth. There is no regional or local emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for tax cuts, promoting a reduction in the standard VAT rate as a tool for economic stimulation. Their goal is to boost household income and consumption and enhance the competitiveness of Estonian businesses, which points toward a growth-oriented fiscal policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is Draft Law 87, which amends the Value Added Tax Act and aims to reduce the standard VAT rate. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of the bill, stressing its conformity with European Union law and noting the lengthy time it has spent in procedure.
4 Speeches Analyzed