Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-10
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, calling into question the rationale behind raising both VAT and income tax, as well as introducing new, unconventional taxes. The questions are aimed at criticizing the government's mindset and fiscal strategy, utilizing historical context. The speaker demands calculations regarding the impact of these tax hikes on the national budget and consumers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of taxation, citing specific details regarding 18th and 19th-century English taxes (such as the brick tax and the window tax), and uses this as an analogy to critique contemporary tax policy. Furthermore, the need to calculate the specific financial impact of tax hikes on regional organizations is stressed, underscoring an interest in detailed economic calculations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is skeptical and occasionally sarcastic, utilizing a historical analogy (the 18th-century English brick tax) to ridicule the government's tax logic. The speaker employs sharp political criticism, for example, by hinting that the presiding officer was waiting for Center Party members during the vote. The appeals are a blend of historical referencing and direct expressions of political doubt.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session, asking several questions in a short period of time concerning both tax policy and the procedural aspects of the session. There is no information regarding regular appearances or events.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at the government's tax hike policy, demanding calculations regarding their impact. Furthermore, the presiding officer of the session and members of the Centre Party are indirectly criticized for delaying the voting procedure, which points to both procedural and political criticism. A willingness to compromise is not expressed; instead, sharp questions are posed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation or readiness to compromise. All interventions consist of critical questions aimed at the government or the presiding officer of the session.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on small islands, particularly the transport links serving Kihnu. The speaker inquired about how tax increases affect the rising cost of these services, impacting both the state budget and consumers, thus highlighting the specific expenses associated with remote areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, specifically questioning the proposed hikes in both VAT and income tax. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of calculating the direct cost of these tax increases for both the state budget and consumers. The speaker criticizes the government's fiscal logic, pointing to the risk of implementing unreasonable new taxes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on questioning the economic impact and rationale behind the government's proposed tax increases (VAT and income tax). The speaker is acting as an opposition critic, demanding a precise calculation of the costs associated with implementing these new tax laws.
3 Speeches Analyzed