Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (Bill 239 SE)
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on raising the VAT rate, strongly supporting the implementation of a 19.3% rate, which is considered a better solution than the current situation. The stance is justified by giving the assembly a political choice, characterizing the position as a policy-based approach. The speaker also notes a slight shift from the earlier 19.2% proposal to the current 19.3% rate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of tax policy and legislative strategy, referencing specific VAT rates (19.2% and 19.3%). Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the discussions that took place in the committee and the procedures for initiating draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive and direct, utilizing logical justification (by offering the audience a choice) and emphasizing the superiority of the proposed solution compared to the existing one. The tone is optimistic and concludes with a clear call to support the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating in committee debates and introducing draft legislation on the floor of the chamber. He/She references previous proposals and current bills, which demonstrates consistent engagement in tax matters.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition, but the speaker indirectly addresses the question of why the commission failed to select a single tax rate, defending the procedure of presenting multiple options. The criticism is directed primarily against the preservation of the status quo, rather than against specific opponents.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker notes the existence of different initiators (two deputies), which points to parallel or collaboratively developed legislative initiatives. He/She emphasizes the readiness to offer the deputies choices among various good solutions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on tax policy and increasing state revenues through raising the value-added tax (VAT) to 19.3%. This indicates support for a fiscal measure aimed at revenue collection and is considered preferable to the current situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the amendment of the Value Added Tax Act (Bill 239 SE). The speaker is the initiator and proponent of the specific tax rate bill (19.3%). He emphasizes the significance of the legislative process, providing the floor with the opportunity to select among various draft bills.
1 Speeches Analyzed