Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Draft law amending the simplified taxation act for entrepreneurs and the income tax act, and repealing the security tax act – second reading
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely anti-government, which they label "the government of liars." The primary focus is opposing the entrenchment of tax hikes and challenging the dishonesty inherent in the government's communication. All work conducted in the Riigikogu revolves around the government's deceit, signaling a strong confrontation. This is primarily directed at criticizing the ethics and performance of the government's activities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the details of tax policy, criticizing the entrenchment of temporary tax increases and the concealment of certain parts of corporate taxes within the draft bill. The expertise focuses on analyzing the content of the tax law (645 SE) and its actual impact. Economic claims (e.g., driving the economy into the ground) are presented without the use of specific data or statistics.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, repeatedly employing the words "lie" and "lying," alongside strong phrases like "awfully irritating" and "utter nonsense." Direct personal appeals are utilized, stressing that people's wallets are empty, in stark contrast to the government's "nice talk." The discourse is informative, yet its primary goal is to discredit the opposing side.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
A specific legislative action was mentioned: the submission of a motion to discontinue proceedings during the second reading of Bill 645 SE. Other data concerning frequency, meetings, or activity patterns are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the government, particularly the Reform Party, which stands accused of systematic deceit, employing propagandists, and leading the country into gridlock. The criticism is intense, focusing on ethical failures and the destruction of the economy. Compromise is off the table, as the government is viewed as dishonest and incompetent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speech contains no reference to cooperation, compromises, or cross-party negotiation. The focus is entirely on opposing the government's policies and actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, addressing the overall situation of the Estonian economy and its people (e.g., bills, food costs, commuting by car). Specific regional or local topics are not included.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions are strongly opposed to tax hikes and regulations. Government policies (taxation, regulation, and energy policy) are viewed as destructive to the economy, having led to the impoverishment of the population and driving the economy into the ground. They oppose making temporary tax increases permanent and demand genuine tax relief.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social topics, mentioned in a negative context are the existence of e-voting, and the stress and incitement of hysteria in society caused by the government. Other specific social issues (e.g., education, immigration) are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing Draft Bill 645 SE (Draft Act on the Amendment of the Act on Simplified Taxation of Business Income and the Income Tax Act, and the Repeal of the Security Tax Act). The speaker is an active opponent, having submitted a motion to reject the bill during its second reading, arguing that the draft legislation enshrines tax increases rather than lowering taxes.
1 Speeches Analyzed