Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Bill (217 SE) to Amend the Income Tax Act
2024-02-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on the fight against corruption and ensuring the integrity of state aid, particularly concerning assistance to Ukraine. The speaker adopts a strong values-based stance, sharply criticizing liberals and the Eesti 200 faction for failing to provide a moral assessment in the corruption scandal. He emphasizes the need to restore public trust in the culture of donations and criticizes the government's economic policy (the 22% income tax) as destructive to the economy.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Income Tax Act and the system of tax exemptions, explaining the mechanisms for declaring donations and obtaining tax refunds. They are also familiar with the logistical details of the humanitarian aid activities carried out by the NGO "Ukraina Eest" (specifically mentioning busloads of supplies). Furthermore, the speaker displays knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act and the procedures for processing draft legislation, criticizing the board for delays.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is highly confrontational, accusatory, and emotionally charged, utilizing strong expressions such as "a great scandal/outrage," "a terrible, economy-destroying government," and "a mafia-like approach." They employ ideological polarization (conservatives vs. liberals) and present logical arguments (explaining the income tax law) mixed with sharp personal and institutional attacks (the Prosecutor's Office, Eesti 200). The tone is predominantly critical and demanding of justice.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active proponent of the legislative initiative, emphasizing that the bill was submitted back in May and its processing has been delayed. He refers to the active involvement of faction members and colleagues (Anti and Evelin Poolamets) in the aid activities of the NGO "Ukraina Eest." The pattern of activity demonstrates persistent pressure to keep certain topics (corruption, aid to Ukraine) on the agenda.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the NGO Slava Ukraini (due to large-scale corruption), the Eesti 200 parliamentary faction (for failing to provide a moral assessment and disgracing parliamentary culture), and the Prosecutor's Office and the police (for selective justice and inaction). The criticism is intense, spanning from the political and procedural to the personal and moral levels, and compromise is ruled out on matters of accountability. The speaker accuses the opponents of undermining the rule of law.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is presented as intra-factional and ideological collaboration, referencing other party members who are involved in supporting the NGO "Ukraine for Estonia." There is a complete lack of reference to openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation regarding the draft bill under discussion or issues of corruption. The style is more confrontational than unifying.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on international aid (Ukraine’s combat capability and humanitarian assistance) and the national level (Estonian rule of law, parliamentary culture, and tax legislation). Specific local or regional issues in Estonia are not covered.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of liberal-led governments that have tightened the screws on income tax exemptions (by eliminating allowances for children and spouses). He strongly opposes the 22% income tax imposed by the current government, labeling it devastating to the economy. He supports maintaining the system of income tax exemption for donations and directing those funds to reliable organizations.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the restoration of the culture of giving and public trust following the Slava Ukraini corruption scandal. The speaker stresses the question of a sense of justice and contrasts the readiness of citizens with a conservative worldview to donate with the liberals’ alleged desire to share other people’s money.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft bill to amend the Income Tax Act (217 SE). The bill aims to remove the NGO Slava Ukraini from the list of entities eligible for income tax exemption and replace it with the NGO Ukraina Eestis. The speaker, who initiated and supports the bill, stressed the necessity of legislative action to rectify the consequences stemming from corruption.
10 Speeches Analyzed