Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-15
Political Position
The political focus is on strong and principled opposition to the introduction of the car tax, which is viewed as a disproportionate burden and a driver of increased poverty. This stance is both value-based (focused on people's livelihood) and policy-based (the tax will not significantly improve the state budget). As an alternative for improving the state budget, they propose reversing the recent changes surrounding the income tax bracket reform.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of constitutional review and legislative procedure, criticizing the Constitutional Committee's competence in assessing the constitutionality of a bill. Procedural terms such as "Constitutional Committee," "bill," and "in violation of the constitution" are employed, emphasizing that this specific committee ought to be qualified to notice such matters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, particularly regarding the competence of opponents, who are accused of failing to clear the bar. To reinforce their stance, they employ both logical arguments (such as constitutional inconsistency and disproportionate burden) and references to public opinion (citing 80% opposition).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data reveals activity during the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu on July 15, where three consecutive speeches were delivered, all focusing on the exact same topic (the motor vehicle tax). This points to intense participation in the discussion of that specific draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the proponents of the car tax, especially the Constitutional Committee and its chairman, who stand accused of incompetence and neglecting constitutional review. The criticism is intense, focusing both on the political substance (increasing poverty) and the procedural failures, which may necessitate a presidential veto.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding cooperation is lacking; instead, emphasis is placed on the EKRE party's unique and unrivaled opposition to the car tax, which suggests isolation on this issue. No willingness to compromise is expressed; rather, they demand the complete reversal of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly on national issues, addressing the financial strain on the Estonian people, the rise in poverty, and the state budget's condition. Regional or international topics are absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance is strongly anti-tax, especially regarding measures that exacerbate poverty and are disproportionate. They favor improving the budget by reversing existing tax reforms (the "tax hump") instead of introducing new taxes. Emphasis is placed on protecting the public's financial well-being.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is the potential negative impact of the car tax on rising poverty and the livelihood of the Estonian people. These social issues are addressed within the context of the overall economic burden.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the proposed car tax bill, highlighting its constitutional incompatibility and procedural flaws. The speaker is acting both as an opponent of the legislation and as a procedural watchdog, criticizing the Riigikogu committees for their failure to guarantee constitutionality.
3 Speeches Analyzed