Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Bill to Amend the Income Tax Act (230 SE)
2024-02-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position strongly focuses on fiscal justice, demanding that banks' record profits (approximately 150 million euros) be taxed to return the money collected directly from the pockets of the Estonian people. The speaker sharply opposes the government's tax policy (increases in VAT, excise duties, and the car tax) and accuses the ruling coalition of causing the economic recession. The policy framing is heavily results-oriented and values-based, accusing opponents of malice and serving foreign interests.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of banking and fiscal policy, citing specific figures (a billion-euro profit, an interest spread of 400–500 million euros) and highlighting the exceptionally high return on capital of Estonian banks compared to their European counterparts. Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in the details of the Riigikogu's (Parliament's) rules of procedure and the legislative process, criticizing the board for delaying the handling of the draft legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, aggressive, and accusatory, employing strong emotional language ("tragic story," "with criminal negligence," "insane tax and economic policy") and personal attacks (e.g., referring to social democrats as "jellyfish"). The speaker combines detailed financial data with moral appeals, claiming that the government's actions are not mere foolishness but "evil." Irony and exclamations are utilized ("Hahahaa, no way!").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's action pattern is linked to the processing of a specific draft bill (230 SE), highlighting its submission date (June 2023) and fiercely criticizing the 10-month procedural delay caused by the Riigikogu Board. He/She actively monitors and critiques the legislative procedure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the government coalition, who are accused of causing the economic recession and serving the interests of foreign banks. The Riigikogu Board is also accused of violating the law and criminal negligence, which resulted in a loss of 150 million euros to the state budget. The Social Democrats and those who defected from the Centre Party are also criticized for political instability and breaking their promises.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker’s style is predominantly confrontational and uncompromising, focused on sharply criticizing the coalition. There is no evidence of a willingness to cooperate or compromise with other factions, even though colleagues are urged to support the bill at the end.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly domestic (the Estonian economy, the Estonian state budget, the Estonian people), but the international aspect is also emphasized, criticizing the outflow of profits collected from the Estonian people to Swedish and Danish bank owners.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives favor targeted taxation, specifically taxing banks' record profits (150 million euros), in order to alleviate the state budget deficit. The speaker is strongly opposed to raising consumption taxes (VAT, excise duties), arguing that such increases would deepen the economic downturn, reduce purchasing power, and ultimately lead to a tax revenue shortfall.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When it comes to social issues, there is a passing mention of opposition to previous laws regarding the "defilement of marriage" and "cutting of family benefits," but the main emphasis remains squarely on economic policy and fiscal justice.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the adoption of the draft bill (230 SE) amending the Income Tax Act, which would introduce taxation on bank profits and bring 140–150 million euros into the state budget. The speaker is the initiator of this draft legislation and sharply criticizes the government’s legislative choices (e.g., the car tax and the VAT increase).
3 Speeches Analyzed