Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-05
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's fiscal policy, particularly the motor vehicle tax and the registration fee, demanding their complete abolition. The framework is performance- and value-based, accusing the government of destroying the economy and manipulating vulnerable groups (large families, people with disabilities). The necessity of restoring the economy is emphasized, and better funding for road maintenance is demanded.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and its administrative complexities, referencing payment deadlines, refund mechanisms, and the effective date of the draft legislation. Furthermore, knowledge was presented regarding road funding deficits and nature conservation issues related to the construction of Rail Baltic and wind farms, highlighting shortcomings in the operational structure of the Environmental Board.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is intensely combative, sarcastic, and emotionally charged, frequently employing irony and vivid, figurative language (e.g., "struck them in the back with the golden tax axe," "the oxygen of hope"). The speaker utilizes rhetorical questions and mocks the opposing side's arguments as mere "pearls," all with the goal of discrediting the government. The rhetoric appeals directly to public sentiment regarding injustice and governmental manipulation ("the mockery of the people and the hoodwinking of the public").
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches have been consolidated into a single plenary session day (November 5, 2025), demonstrating active participation in the legislative debate. The speaker repeatedly asks the rapporteur (Anneli) clarifying questions regarding the administration of the draft law and the relationships between the metrics.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, the Social Democrats (Socs), and Eesti 200, all of whom are being intensely criticized for their policies (the car tax, 26 tax hikes) and procedural decisions. The attacks are fierce, accusing the government of injustice, damaging the economy, and fleecing the public. Compromise is ruled out, with demands for the complete abolition of the taxes.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The party’s approach to cooperation is evident in the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) presenting a firm and unified stance on the complete abolition of the car tax. There are no indications of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation; instead, emphasis is placed on the government’s refusal to take earlier opposition amendments into account.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the concerns of rural residents regarding the proposed car tax and how it will affect their ability to replace their vehicles. We also address major national projects, such as Rail Baltic and wind farms, which impact Estonia's natural heritage and forest lands.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to the taxes, arguing that the car tax and registration fee are devastating to the economy, leading to the collapse of the car sales market and a reduction in tax revenue. It is stressed that the tax burden is ultimately passed on to the prices of essential goods, thereby affecting even those who do not own a vehicle. They demand the abolition of these taxes to restore the economy and ensure better funding for roads.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the focus is on protecting the interests of large families and people with disabilities, who are considered victims of the government's tax policy. The government is criticized for failing to take their needs into account when the car tax was initially introduced, and the proposed relief measures are viewed as a manipulative "offering of crumbs."
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the proposed amendment to the motor vehicle tax law and clarifying its administrative details. The speaker is acting as a staunch opponent of the draft bill, emphasizing that cosmetic changes amount to mocking the public and demanding the complete repeal of the tax. Furthermore, the protection of natural heritage is being addressed in the context of Rail Baltic and ongoing logging operations.
8 Speeches Analyzed