Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Draft Law on Declaring the Security Tax Act Invalid (595 SE) - First Reading
2025-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
Strong opposition to the coalition's tax hikes, especially the so-called security tax, which is considered misguided and damaging to the economy. The political position is strongly presented as criticism of the coalition's failed economic management, dishonesty, and the dismantling of the rule of law. The focus is on performance-based criticism, accusing the government of bankrupting the state and leading the country into war.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise in the areas of finance and taxation, particularly in the analysis of tax revenue projections and budget implementation. Utilizes economic terminology (GDP, inflation, revenue shortfall, dividend tax) and references reports from the Finance Committee, as well as forecasts from the Bank of Estonia and the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, demonstrates knowledge concerning the financing of national defense and capability development (coastal defense).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, sarcastic, and combative, employing strong criticism and irony directed at the coalition, labeling their actions "theater of the absurd" and dismissing their speech as "mumbo-jumbo." It appeals both to economic logic (the failure of forecasts) and to emotions (through accusations of lying and cynicism). It utilizes provocative expressions and personalized attacks.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered on the same day in the main hall of the Riigikogu during the debate of the first reading of the bill (the annulment of the security levy). This refers to regular work within the Finance Committee, from which monthly reports on tax revenue collection are received.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong, personalized opposition has been voiced against the ruling coalition, particularly targeting the Reform Party and ministers Kristen Michal and Mart Võrklaev. The criticism focuses equally on the failed tax policy and political unethical conduct, accusing them of lying and systematically dismantling the rule of law. There is no willingness to compromise; they demand the complete annulment of the tax hikes.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no cooperation with the coalition; the submission of the bill is rather a political maneuver designed to force coalition members to vote in favor of their own promises. Hope is expressed that there are deputies within the coalition who will support the bill, genuinely believing in their own right-wing principles.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic and security issues, but local political context is also mentioned, criticizing the "man from Võrumaa" for supporting tax increases.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition to tax increases that hinder GDP growth and fuel inflation, worsening people's financial situation. It favors lowering taxes to leave people with more money and supports financing large-scale national defense procurements through loans, not tax hikes. It criticizes government spending on "corrupt wasteful projects" such as Rail Baltic and the subsidizing of wind farms.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues (such as parental benefits for grandparents or euthanasia) are primarily viewed as political noise and a distraction from crucial economic and security problems. The government is criticized for taxing pensioners starting from the very first euro, a measure that reduced their disposable income.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is the Security Tax Repeal Bill (595 SE), which aims to overturn the increases in VAT, income tax, and corporate income tax implemented by the coalition. The party is the initiator and supporter of this bill, emphasizing that the tax hikes have not yet taken effect and are easy to abolish.
7 Speeches Analyzed