Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Act on the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the Feed Act (546 SE) – Second Reading
2025-01-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the current agricultural policy, which focuses on increasing bureaucratic restrictions. The speaker emphasizes that these restrictions, coupled with high input and labor costs, will ultimately lead to Estonian agriculture losing all competitiveness by 2030 or 2035. This position is heavily results-oriented, focusing on the danger of wiping out both investments and livelihoods.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the economic side of agriculture, referencing input costs, labor expenses, and the narrow opportunities available in the market. Economic terms like "lack of competitiveness" and "investments" are used to assess how regulations impact production. This expertise serves to highlight the economic devastation caused by political decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s rhetorical style is direct, provocative, and pessimistic, demanding an honest assessment of the situation from the presenter. Strong warnings and vivid imagery are employed ("pink dreams," "turning to zero"), emphasizing economic logic and the impossibility of recouping investments. The tone is urgent and demanding, requesting that the situation be laid out frankly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data indicates participation in the Riigikogu session on January 21, 2025, during which questions were posed concerning the second reading of Bill 546 SE. Data regarding repetitive communication patterns is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at those who impose political restrictions and bureaucracy, who are accused of destroying the competitiveness of agriculture. The criticism is policy-driven and intense, pointing to previous restrictions (such as the banning of caged hens) as examples that exacerbate the problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The address is a direct challenge to the rapporteur (the chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee), demanding an honest and negative assessment from him regarding the future of the sector. There is no indication of any attempt to seek cooperation or compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, centering on the competitiveness of Estonian agriculture and input costs within Estonia. The lack of viability for the national economic sector in light of international (EU) regulations is also addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly geared toward protecting the interests of producers, emphasizing that high labor costs, input costs, and bureaucratic restrictions destroy investment. The preference is to maintain economic growth and competitiveness by reducing the regulatory burden.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft amendment (546 SE) to the Act on the Implementation of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and the opposition to related regulations. The speaker is a fierce opponent of the regulatory direction that imposes additional restrictions on agriculture.
2 Speeches Analyzed