Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the motor vehicle tax, which is viewed as fundamentally flawed, unconstitutional (with reference to § 56), and contrary to the will of the people, given that 76% of the population does not support it. The idea of taxation is framed as an unjust burden that undermines people's ability to cope financially and contributes to the decline of state functioning. The speaker represents the stance of the Estonian Conservative People's Party, promising to certainly abolish the tax upon gaining power.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge concerning the specific target groups and assets covered by the tax bill, highlighting small tractors utilized by family businesses, as well as vehicles subject to state requisition during a crisis or wartime scenario. Furthermore, the absurdity of taxing vehicles temporarily deregistered is stressed. Arguments regarding indirect taxation and the impact on regional policy are employed.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very combative, emotional, and accusatory, addressing the Estonian people directly and also the colleagues present in the hall. Strong expressions are used (e.g., "to skin someone alive," "a knife in the back"), and the negative impact of the tax on freedom and livelihood is emphasized. The government is accused of lying, cynicism, and neglect, as well as using the fear of war for propaganda purposes.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves procedural hurdles during the Riigikogu plenary session debate on the motor vehicle tax bill. The speaker repeatedly demands votes on amendments and calls 10-minute recesses before the votes, suggesting a tactic of obstruction. The speeches are concentrated on a single day and a single draft law.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition, especially the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of holding similar ideological views regarding the taxation and redistribution of wealth. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of incompetence, covering ideological expenditures, and seizing people's money under the guise of fearmongering. Compromise is ruled out; they demand the immediate termination of the tax process.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data regarding their willingness to cooperate; the speaker represents the position of EKRE and is primarily focused on public opposition and obstructing the government's activities. Instead of cooperation, Estonian people are being urged not to elect representatives of the governing parties to the European Parliament.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on rural areas and rural entrepreneurship. It is emphasized that the tax inhibits the development of rural entrepreneurship, increases rural unemployment, and leads to the depopulation of rural areas, which contradicts regional policy objectives. The decline of rural residents into mobility poverty is highlighted separately.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly favor reducing the tax burden and stand in opposition to wealth redistribution. The speaker emphasizes that taxation is unjustly high, indirectly raising costs for all consumers (including pedestrians and public transport users) via the price of the food basket and home heating. Among the stated objectives of this taxation are the ideological "green transition" and Rail Baltic.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the emergence of transport poverty, where, due to taxation, pensioners, young families, or low-income individuals can no longer afford a means of transport. This, in turn, deepens poverty and restricts children's access to extracurricular education. The government's recommendation that people should apply for subsidies is considered cynical and indifferent.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the motor vehicle tax bill. The speaker is an opponent and the initiator of the motion to suspend the bill's proceedings during the second reading. Furthermore, procedural obstruction is being employed in the Riigikogu chamber by demanding votes on amendments and calling for recesses.
16 Speeches Analyzed