Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
2024-03-13
Political Position
The political priorities are strengthening national defense in light of the challenges of modern warfare, social security (availability of medicines for the elderly), and a housing policy that supports the birth rate. The speaker expresses strong concern that ensuring national defense capability is overdue and criticizes the government’s plans for taxing pensions. The focus is directed toward guaranteeing the state’s actual capacity and the population’s ability to cope.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in social policy and healthcare, connecting pension taxation with VAT on pharmaceuticals and the procurement of essential medications. Their knowledge is particularly profound regarding national defense issues, where they address the challenges of modern warfare, the significantly greater need for air defense, and the shortfalls in drones and ammunition. Specific terminology is employed, referencing, for example, "bridge financing" in housing policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a critical and pressing style, especially when addressing topics of national defense and social issues, consistently emphasizing the gravity of the situation. They utilize direct questions and irony, for instance, referring to the ammunition procurement plan as a "laughing stock." The appeals are logical, focusing on immediate negative consequences, such as the lack of access to medications or shortfalls in defense capabilities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the March 13 plenary session, asking questions on several key issues, which points to broad interest and engagement in the flow of current debates.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the government's policies, particularly the plan for increased taxation of pensions and deficiencies in defense capability. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is directly criticized for suppressing the topic of parliamentary inquiries and calling them "stupid." The criticism is both political (taxation, defense capability) and procedural/personal (the valuation of parliamentary inquiries).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The presenter sees solutions lying in the cooperation between the state and local authorities, suggesting the use of state bridge funding to tackle the housing problem. This indicates an openness to inter-governmental collaboration, particularly in achieving social objectives. Direct cross-party cooperation is not mentioned in the text.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (pensions, national defense, birth rate) and international (lessons learned from the Ukraine war for defense capability). Local governments are mentioned as partners in solving the national housing problem, but there is no specific regional emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to increased taxation on pensions, viewing it as a threat to the financial stability of older people and their ability to afford medication. They support tax relief, specifically the reduction of VAT on medicines, to ensure essential goods remain accessible. Their economic views lean towards prioritizing social security and the protection of vulnerable groups.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues are the financial well-being of the elderly and the accessibility of essential medicines, both of which are threatened by the taxation of pensions. Another important topic is supporting the birth rate by solving the housing problems of young families through the provision of accommodation on favorable terms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on reforming tax policy, specifically demanding a reduction in the VAT rate for pharmaceuticals and opposing the taxation of pensions. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the necessity of establishing new state financing schemes aimed at improving housing affordability. The "two chairs law" (referring to holding dual mandates) is also brought up in relation to cooperation possibilities between members of local government (KOV) and the Riigikogu (Parliament).
4 Speeches Analyzed