Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
2025-03-12
Political Position
The speaker is strongly opposed to the government, focusing on the administration's failures stemming from the economic downturn and tax hikes. They also highlight constitutional breaches related to changes in the government's composition. The political framework employed is dual: it is both performance-based (citing the 11-quarter economic decline) and values-based, underscoring the necessity of adhering to the procedures of parliamentary democracy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of tax policy, precisely listing both existing and increasing taxes (income tax at 22%, VAT at 24%, excise duties, and the security tax) and the timelines of their implementation. Furthermore, they are well-versed in the procedures of the constitutional order and parliamentary democracy, citing the authors of the constitution (Jüri Adams).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, accusatory, and focused on scandal, utilizing strong emotional expressions ("in screaming contradiction," "a mire of lawlessness," "a hormone-fueled teenager"). Sarcasm is employed (the four seasons are to blame) alongside rhetorical questions ("who are you fooling?"). The logical appeal is based on an itemized list of taxes and the citation of constitutional authority.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available. (Only participation in the Riigikogu Question Time on March 12, 2025, is known.)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the Reform Party, the Prime Minister, and Eesti 200, who are being blamed for the economic downturn and tax increases. The criticism is intense and spans from policy issues (tax hikes) to procedural violations (constitutional breaches during the change of government) and personal accusations (the President’s son’s connection to a money scandal). The government's actions are being labeled as a deliberate violation of the constitution, which could potentially fall under the statute for high treason.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available. (The speaker is only expressing strong opposition and accusations; there is no willingness to cooperate.)
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national issues, addressing the Estonian economy, the tax system, and the constitutional order. Regional or local topics are not included.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, as the speaker believes these have caused a long-term economic decline (11 consecutive quarters). Criticism is leveled against the implementation of income tax, VAT, excises (petrol, diesel, gas), and new taxes (the car tax, security tax, and corporate profit tax). The government's promise to revert to a simple income tax system is considered a deception.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue mentioned is the income taxation of pensions starting April 1, 2025, which is viewed as a negative increase in the tax burden. Other traditional social questions (education, healthcare, immigration) are not addressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the tax laws enacted by the government and highlighting their negative consequences. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the compliance of the actions taken by parliament and the government with constitutional procedures, accusing the government and the president of violating the constitution during the process of the government transition.
3 Speeches Analyzed