Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-24
Political Position
Politically, the speaker focuses strongly on protecting the Estonian language and ensuring its constitutional status within the service sector, demanding a significant increase in fine rates so that the sanctions are actually felt by large corporations. A second key focus is alleviating the economic situation of employees by proposing amendments to the Income Tax Act aimed at increasing the compensation for the use of a personal vehicle, citing inflation and recent tax hikes. The speaker frames their viewpoints based on core values (language and culture) and principles of economic justice.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the sanctions and enforcement mechanisms of the Language Act, specifying concrete fine amounts, the upper limits of penalties (up to 50,000 euros), and turnover-based penalties (up to 5% of turnover) for large companies. He is also familiar with the provisions of the Income Tax Act concerning employee travel compensation rates (30, 42, and 45 cents) and the necessity of adjusting these rates due to inflation and rising fuel prices.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is insistent and concerned, particularly on language matters, emphasizing that the situation has deteriorated and requires immediate, "more stringent measures." He employs both logical arguments (constitutional right, the effect of inflation) and impactful metaphors ("fear factor," "nudging") with the aim of steering companies toward lawful conduct. The presentation is formal, addressing both colleagues and the public.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is a very active initiator of bills during the session, submitting within one day both an amendment to the Language Act and three different versions of the draft amendment to the Income Tax Act. This indicates persistence and repeated attempts to achieve their goals, adjusting the figures according to the support in the chamber.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct political opponent is named, but the criticism targets large companies that disregard the Language Act, as they are not motivated by the current small fine amounts. Economic policy is also indirectly criticized for causing cumulative inflation and tax hikes that reduce workers' incomes.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Regarding the language issue, the speaker referred to the cross-party consensus on the necessity of protecting the Estonian language and supporting the work of the Language Board. Concerning the income tax bills, he demonstrated a pragmatic approach, immediately presenting a new, slightly lower compromise proposal (42 cents) after the rejection of the initial proposal (45 cents) in order to achieve legislative success.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is nationwide, underscoring the necessity of guaranteeing Estonian-language service in every part of Estonia. Specific examples of this worsening situation include major retail chains and service companies in Tallinn, Narva, Pärnu, Haapsalu, Saaremaa, and even Otepää, noting that the situation has deteriorated even in traditionally Estonian-speaking regions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically, the speaker advocates for strong state intervention and strict penalties for large corporations to ensure legal compliance, prioritizing the national interest (language protection) over corporate interests. He supports protecting workers' incomes from inflation and tax hikes, demanding that the tax-exempt limit for work-related expenses (specifically travel allowances) be raised to prevent a situation that would violate the constitution.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the status and protection of the Estonian language in the service sector, which is viewed both as a constitutional right and a defense of national culture. The speaker also connects these language issues to the themes of immigration and the transition to Estonian-language education, stressing that these aspects impact the linguistic environment as a whole.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards amending the Language Act to drastically raise fine rates, and amending the Income Tax Act to increase the tax-free limit for employee compensation for the use of a personal vehicle. The speaker is the initiator of these draft bills and is prepared to submit repeated proposals (45 cents, 42 cents) to achieve the legislative objective.
7 Speeches Analyzed