Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Reconsideration of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA) left unpromulgated by the President of the Republic
2024-07-15
15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the motor vehicle tax law, emphasizing both the constitutional issues of the legislation (referencing the opinion of the President's Office) and its negative economic impact on people facing hardship. The speaker demands a clear action plan from those responsible for resolving the constitutional doubts, focusing on procedural and value-based criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedure and mechanisms of constitutional review, inquiring about the plans of the Constitutional Committee. They propose specific solutions, such as submitting the law to the Supreme Court for expert assessment or convening a college of legal experts. The assessment is directed at questions of constitutional law and parliamentary rules of procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, demanding, and at times sarcastic, employing emotional appeals and cultural references (e.g., "Kihnu Girl," a song by Mart Saar) to ridicule the opponent. The speaker poses direct questions and questions the respondent's competence, noting that the answers are absolutely not to be taken seriously.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the parliamentary debate, giving two addresses on the same day (15.07.2024) during the reconsideration of the Motor Vehicle Tax Act. This pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on a specific legislative procedure and the scrutiny of the responsible committees (the Constitutional Committee, the Finance Committee).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The standoff is aimed at both the chairwomen of the Constitutional Committee and the Finance Committee, criticizing the former for failing to provide an action plan regarding the issue of constitutionality. The criticism leveled against the chairwoman of the Finance Committee is intense and contains personal insinuations, accusing her of providing untrustworthy answers and ignoring regional problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation or willingness to compromise; the speaker's style is purely critical and and demanding, aimed at holding the opposing side accountable and exposing the lack of their plans.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker has a strong and specific regional focus on Kihnu Island, using it as an example of how the motor vehicle tax impacts local communities who are already struggling financially. This regional emphasis is a tactic designed to highlight the law's impracticality and inherent unfairness, particularly considering the island residents' dependence on motorized transport.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is reflected in the opposition to the motor vehicle tax, arguing that it creates economic hardship and makes life difficult for people, particularly those residing in regional communities. The speaker emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable residents from the tax burden, citing the severe difficulties faced by the people of Kihnu in making ends meet.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on the difficult and complex lives and economic survival of the Kihnu people, contrasting this with the situation during the Soviet era. The speaker emphasizes the social inequality that the new tax would deepen, focusing on the difficulties local residents face in making ends meet.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed towards the processing and constitutional review of the motor vehicle tax law (364 UA), which was rejected by the President of the Republic. The speaker, representing the opposition, is demanding a clear procedural plan from the Constitutional Committee: specifically, whether to send the law to the Supreme Court for expert review or to convene a panel of legal experts.
2 Speeches Analyzed