Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value Added Tax Act (286 SE)
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is sharply critical of the government's economic policy, particularly the arguments against tax cuts, stressing that previous reductions in excise duties have actually boosted state budget revenues. He vigorously defends his past successes in supporting agriculture, asserting that farmers have never had it so good. The position is formulated using both political efficacy (performance-driven) and concrete policy arguments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy (Value Added Tax, excise duties, labor taxes) and the dynamics of budget revenues, using specific historical examples from the experience of Estonia (diesel and alcohol excise) and Latvia. He/She possesses in-depth knowledge of agricultural policy, including negotiations concerning the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), subsidies channeled through the Rural Development Foundation (MAAS), and state aid rules.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and provocative, employing powerful rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the opponents' awareness ("How utterly dense must one be..."). It relies on logical arguments and empirical examples, but also incorporates emotional and sarcastic elements, referring to previous criticism as "horrible pig squealing."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
It mentions previous activities, such as meetings with social democrats affiliated with farmers’ organizations and negotiations within the European Union concerning the Common Agricultural Policy. Specific current patterns of activity (like the frequency of appearances or travel) are not evident from the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and directed at the economic premises of the opponents, who are criticized for ignoring examples and whose political logic is considered flawed. A specific opponent (Arvo) is being challenged regarding the law's compliance with EU single market rules, demanding a solution to the state aid problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker mentions previous cooperation or meetings with the Social Democrats on agricultural issues, indicating a readiness for cross-party dialogue on certain subjects. In the current context, however, the tone is predominantly confrontational, and no willingness to compromise is expressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic issues (Estonian excise duties, VAT, and agricultural support) as well as the international level (the Latvian example, the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, and single market rules). Emphasis is placed on the situation of Estonian producers and workers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Proponents of these economic views favor tax cuts, operating on the belief that such cuts do not diminish budget receipts but actually increase them (via value-added tax, excise duties, and labor taxes). He stresses that instead of reducing prices, producers can retain the funds and pay higher wages, which in turn improves workers' lives and boosts state tax revenues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is centered on the arguments surrounding the draft amendment to the Value-Added Tax Act (Bill 286 SE), where the speaker supports the principle of tax cuts. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the legislative constraints imposed by the EU single market concerning tax incentives, which is a crucial factor when evaluating the feasibility of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed