Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Second reading of the draft law amending the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Tax Act and other laws (510 SE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most important topic is excise policy, which the speaker strongly opposes, citing its repeated detrimental effects and the resulting decrease in revenue collection. This position is strongly evidence-based, emphasizing the government's inability to learn from past mistakes. The speaker positions himself within the opposition, offering EKRE joining the government as the solution to all problems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding excise policy and its economic impact, stressing the negative consequences that previous excise tax increases had on revenue collection. This expertise is grounded in empirical experience and the analysis of recurring patterns, suggesting that anyone with common sense could have predicted the damage. Specific terminology, such as "excise policy" and "decrease in revenue," is employed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, critical, and ironic, employing recurring metaphors (e.g., "stepping on the same rake") to underscore the government's foolishness. The speaker uses strong emotional appeals and derogatory terms to characterize opponents ("crazies, idiots, and blockheads"). The logical argumentation rests upon the repeated failures of previous political decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Finance Committee. The criticism is directed both at the policies (excise tax hikes) and at the personal qualities of the opponents (stupidity, insensitivity, and overzealousness). The intensity of the criticism is extremely high, and compromise is ruled out, as the speaker sees the only solution in a change of government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker does not allude to cooperation or readiness for compromise, but sharply opposes the government and other parties, emphasizing the opposition's role in arguing with "the crazy, the stupid, and the blockheads."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing excise policy and its impact on the Estonian state as a whole, without mentioning specific regional interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to the excise duty increases, as these are predicted to be detrimental and will reduce state revenues. The speaker criticizes the government's fiscal policy, which repeats mistakes and causes damage.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the Draft Act on Amendments to the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act and Other Acts (Bill 510 SE). The speaker is a fierce opponent of the bill, criticizing its recurrent and detrimental nature.
1 Speeches Analyzed