Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (184 SE)
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to the government's tax hikes, particularly concerning the increase in VAT and the potential introduction of new taxes. The concern highlighted is that the government's current thinking will lead to the simultaneous implementation of multiple different, including unconventional, taxes. This position is heavily policy-driven, focusing specifically on criticizing the fiscal strategy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates historical knowledge of taxation, providing detailed examples of the implementation and repeal of 18th and 19th-century English taxes (e.g., the brick tax, the glass tax, and the hearth tax). This historical expertise is used to criticize and contextualize the current draft bill proposing a VAT increase.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a questioning, skeptical, and slightly combative style, drawing a historical parallel using the example of 18th and 19th-century English taxes. Rhetorical exaggeration and irony are utilized to criticize the underlying logic, referencing potential unusual taxes, such as the beard tax.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to one intervention during the first reading of a legislative bill, which indicates participation in significant tax policy debates.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at "your government's" tax policy and fiscal logic. The plan to simultaneously raise both the value-added tax (VAT) and other taxes is sharply criticized, as it is deemed a historically failed approach.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy and legislation. An international and historical example is used as a rhetorical device (England's tax policy in the 18th and 19th centuries).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, particularly concerning the proposed hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) and the idea of introducing new, specific levies (such as a brick tax or a beard tax). The preference is to avoid the proliferation of taxes, citing a desire for a more stable and simpler tax system.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft bill to amend the Value Added Tax Act (184 SE). The goal is to use the legislative process to challenge the broader logic and justification of the government's tax-raising strategy.
1 Speeches Analyzed