Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy, particularly the abolition of income tax exemptions, which reduces pensioners’ income. Emphasis is placed on the breaking of election promises (400 euros were promised, 130 euros are being taken away) and the poor management of state finances, which has led to increased deficit and debt. The political activity is framed by comparing the government’s actions to "Putinistic" behavior.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state finance and pension policy, citing specific figures regarding inflation (34–35% over the past three years) and the promised versus lost pension amounts (400 euros vs 130 euros). Special emphasis is placed on the issue of statistical manipulation concerning pension increases, and the largest budgetary expenditures are referenced.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely aggressive, accusatory, and emotional, employing sharp personal attacks and provocative comparisons (such as calling the Reform Party "Putinists" and accusing them of copying the Kremlin's behavior). It appeals to the emotions of pensioners who have allegedly been "ripped off," while the narrative is simultaneously backed up by specific economic data.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu session, posing several substantive and procedural questions and requesting a ten-minute recess on behalf of the faction before the vote. The speeches have been focused on opposing the ongoing bill (amendments to the Income Tax Act).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the governing coalition (the Social Democrats, Eesti 200), who are criticized both for their policies (tax hikes, debt) and through personal attacks (comparisons to Putinists, Kaja Kallas’s family business). The opposition is intense and uncompromising, urging voters not to support coalition representatives in the European elections.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is focused on intra-factional activity, as demonstrated by the request for a recess made by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia. There are no indications of inter-party cooperation or a willingness to compromise.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national finance, the budget, and pension policy, as well as international comparisons (Putin, the Kremlin, the IMF). Regional or local focus is absent.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views strongly oppose tax increases, criticizing the government's policy which has led to a budget deficit and the growth of public debt. They oppose the car tax, land tax, real estate tax, excise duties, VAT, and the elimination of income tax exemptions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the economic situation of pensioners, highlighting the decline in their purchasing power due to inflation and the real-terms reduction of their income resulting from the government's tax policy. A direct appeal is being made to pensioners to vote against the current government.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing Draft Bill 416 SE, which seeks to amend the Income Tax Act by eliminating special income tax exemptions. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill and is using the debate as a platform to warn the public about future taxes, specifically mentioning a property tax and mandatory renovations.
7 Speeches Analyzed