Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-11-07
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed towards the livelihood and well-being of the Estonian people during times of crisis, emphasizing a value-based approach. The speaker firmly supports lowering the VAT on foodstuffs and sharply opposes the government's tax policy and expensive ideological projects such as Rail Baltic and the green transition. The government's actions are described as merely observing people's suffering and consciously making their lives more difficult. The stance is strongly oppositional and results-oriented.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong understanding of tax policy (VAT, car tax) and the impact of inflation, specifically pointing to concrete price hike figures (e.g., a 4.1% annual increase). Crucially, they also possess the ability to link the bureaucracy and requirements of the green transition to widespread price inflation. Additionally, the speaker is up-to-date on security experts' views concerning the cost-to-military capability ratio of Rail Baltic, citing the Commander of the Defense Forces.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong emotional appeals that highlight people's suffering and the government's perceived malice. Irony is utilized ("Thank you, Party and Government!") alongside direct accusations of hypocrisy and the threat of corruption (Rail Baltic). The tone is insistent, urging the coalition to find the courage and support the draft law in order to demonstrate genuine concern.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary session, participating in several agenda items and repeatedly raising procedural questions. They criticize the absence of coalition MPs during the discussion of important topics, accusing them of shirking their duties and paralyzing the work of the Riigikogu.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the coalition, especially the Reform Party, which is accused of deliberately making the lives of Estonian people harder through high taxes and prices. The criticism is intense, ranging from political disagreements to accusations of corruption risk (Rail Baltic) and a personal lack of interest in the welfare of the nation. The opposition is uncompromising, accusing the coalition of prioritizing the "sweetness of power" over the persecution of the people.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to previous similar cooperation with the Centre Party regarding the submission of proposals to lower the VAT on food products. Although the overall tone is oppositional, coalition members are urged to find the courage to support the draft bill, citing the potential for unified action to improve the public's well-being.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national level, centering on the livelihood and welfare of the Estonian population. The international context is also brought up, comparing Estonia unfavorably to other European Union member states concerning reduced VAT rates. Among the major projects, Rail Baltic is highlighted, and its wastefulness is criticized.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports tax cuts (specifically VAT on foodstuffs) aimed at improving consumers' financial well-being, particularly for lower-income residents. It opposes new taxes (such as the car tax), arguing that they will cause widespread price increases, especially affecting food transportation. The stance on major national projects (Rail Baltic, the green transition) is critical; these are viewed as pointless and wasteful, and the funds should instead be redirected toward improving public welfare or national security.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is economic well-being and public health, stressing the need to ensure that healthy food options are accessible to all Estonian residents on a daily basis. Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that lowering the VAT would specifically benefit poorer individuals who otherwise cannot afford quality food.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the introduction of a reduced VAT rate for foodstuffs, which has been repeatedly proposed and for which support is being urged. A second key focus is the abolition of the car tax. The speaker is a strong proponent of the socio-economic welfare legislation initiated by the opposition.
6 Speeches Analyzed