Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Accounting Act and, as a consequence, amending other laws (516 SE) – first reading
2024-10-22
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the draft amendment of the Accounting Act (516 SE), viewing it as a sign of the governing party's ideological decay. The criticism is value-driven, accusing the Reform Party of abandoning the principles of market economy and freedom and embracing a neo-Stalinist regulatory approach. The opposition to the bill is rooted in the defense of economic progress and entrepreneurial freedom.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of accounting and business regulations, specifically inquiring about the requirements for the accounting treatment of entrepreneurial competence and environmental assessments. This indicates an interest in the technical and implementational aspects of the draft legislation. Furthermore, the speaker has experience holding the office of a minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is highly aggressive, confrontational, and personal, employing strong emotional accusations, such as "the party of neo-Stalinist sowing commissars." He/She openly defends the conflictual nature of politics, noting that personal attacks were received instead of a substantive response, and advises the opponent to leave politics if they fail to grasp its essence. A historical comparison is also drawn between the Reform Party’s earlier and current ideology.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data reflects the speaker's active participation in the Riigikogu session during the first reading of the draft amendment to the Accounting Act, presenting both substantive questions and political statements. There is no data available concerning the frequency or patterns of other appearances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the ruling party (the Reform Party) and the minister introducing the draft legislation. The minister is specifically accused of disliking the very bill he is presenting and resorting to personal attacks. The criticism is intense, featuring ideological accusations (neo-Stalinism) and pointed references to the opposing side's past strident and uncivil conduct. The search for compromise has been abandoned; instead, the political conflict is being actively justified.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports the market economy, economic advancement, and freedom, while sharply criticizing the regulatory burden associated with the draft legislation. He opposes the government's approach, which he believes stifles entrepreneurial freedom. Specifically, questions are being raised regarding the competence required for businesses to conduct the mandated environmental assessments and how these assessments are to be reflected in accounting records, highlighting the practical complexity of the regulation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the opposition to Draft Act 516 SE, which seeks to amend the Accounting Act and other resulting legislation. The speaker concentrates on the practical implications of the draft, questioning the necessary competence of businesses and the required accounting treatment when providing environmental assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed