Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-17
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, centering on economic ideology and legislative oversight. The speaker actively opposes the government’s policy of tax increases, submitting draft bills aimed at lowering the income tax rate, as they view low tax rates as the foundation for economic growth. Furthermore, concern is voiced regarding the corruption-prone gray areas that emerge between the streamlining and simplification of legal amendments (such as the control of postal shipments).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise is clearly evident in the field of tax policy and legislation, particularly regarding changes to income tax rates and the juxtaposition of economic concepts. Furthermore, knowledge is demonstrated concerning the necessity of legislative oversight and the analysis of corruption risks, often requesting specific analyses of draft legislation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is businesslike and direct, yet confrontational when necessary, particularly concerning the ambiguity of the minister's answers and the judgments made by the session chair. Logical arguments are employed (economic growth, the threat of corruption), and the relevance of the debate is actively defended, with the chair's assertion regarding the asking of questions being deemed inappropriate.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was very active during the sitting, independently submitting two draft bills (103 and 247) to amend the Income Tax Act, and participating in the debate on several occasions with detailed questions and procedural remarks.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict is with the government and its ministers, criticizing both their tax policy and the minister’s inability to provide clear answers and communicate their message to the public. Furthermore, the presiding officer of the session is being criticized for procedural impropriety, in defense of the chamber’s right to ask relevant questions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is aimed at colleagues in the chamber, who are protected from the presiding officer's criticism and whose support is sought for the bills that have been introduced. This refers to a shared understanding of economic concepts within the opposition, in contrast to the government's policy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly favor low taxes, stressing that lowering income tax (from 22%) is essential for ensuring a functional and growing economy. They reject the government's position that tax hikes somehow leave people with more disposable income, emphasizing that tax cuts are the only way to increase people's take-home pay.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues have been addressed within the context of security and the protection of society. The speaker questions how the new legal amendment concerning the prevention of prohibited goods protects "our youth and society" better than previously, stressing the necessity for effective social protection.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Income Tax Act towards lowering the tax rate (Bills 103 and 247), thereby making the body the proposer of these bills. Furthermore, attention is being paid to the substantive oversight of draft legislation (control of postal consignments) to prevent conflicts between efficiency and simplification, and to avoid the emergence of corruption.
6 Speeches Analyzed