Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Interpellation regarding the abolition of the special VAT rate for accommodation establishments (No. 289)
2024-02-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on strongly opposing the government's economic policy and tax increases (especially the VAT on accommodation establishments), as these measures are destroying the tourism sector and the investment climate. Criticism is aimed at the results of the government's actions and the Prime Minister's war rhetoric, which is destructive for investors. The speaker demands abandoning dogmas and creating opportunities, rather than merely collecting taxes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the tourism sector and regional economy, citing the situations in Saaremaa (specifically the Georg Otsa spa) and Pärnu. They also emphasize the critical importance of the energy sector’s competitiveness as the foundation for all economic activity. They provide concrete examples of lost clientele and the withdrawal of investments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, emotional, and urgent, employing strong historical parallels (Pastor Kelch's quote) and hyperbole ("the breathing tax"). Both personal anecdotes (a friend from Sweden) and specific examples (the Saaremaa spa, 5 people) are used to underscore the hostility of the economic environment. The tone is accusatory and demanding toward the government, calling on the Prime Minister to shake off her dogmas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the interpellation process, referencing previous government-related events (the recognition of defense expenditures) and recent personal meetings with representatives of the business community. He uses personal contacts (a friend who represents Swedish businessmen) to illustrate the economic situation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas personally, who is accused of making the economic environment hostile and destroying investments. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of clinging to dogmas and leading Estonia into a situation where it is "hell" for its own people. The speaker also had to defend themselves and a colleague against the "landlord" label implied by the Prime Minister.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A willingness to cooperate is absent; the rhetoric is purely oppositional and accusatory. Although defense spending is acknowledged as a commendable action, this point is leveraged for fierce criticism of economic policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the vital importance of tourism in maintaining regional policy. Saaremaa (with its Georg Ots Spa and Opera Days) and Pärnu are specifically mentioned, with Pärnu being described as a crumbling provincial town where former industries, and now tourism too, are disappearing.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly oppose tax increases and support the business environment, stressing that the mere threat and implementation of tax hikes drives away investment. They are calling for the creation of a competitive energy sector to reduce input costs, arguing that this is the foundation for all economic activity. The government is being criticized for focusing exclusively on collecting taxes instead of creating opportunities for economic growth.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There are no direct social issues. The social focus is directed toward the economic well-being of its own people, criticizing the government for literally pushing people into the mud.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the abolishment of the special VAT rate for accommodation establishments (Inquiry No. 289). More generally, there are demands to eliminate the tax hump and implement fundamental changes in the energy sector to improve the economy's competitiveness.
4 Speeches Analyzed