Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First reading of the Draft Act (379 SE) on the Amendment of the Tax Information Exchange Act, the Taxation Procedure Act, and the Income Tax Act.
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the reduction of Estonia's tax sovereignty caused by the adoption of international tax rules (OECD, EU). This stance is both value-based and policy-driven, emphasizing that voters will lose the ability to democratically amend the established rules. The proposal is to reject the draft bill, as it will result in increased bureaucracy and reduced tax revenue for Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international tax policy and the transposition of directives, citing their previous experience as Minister of Finance four governments ago. They are well acquainted with the role of the OECD, the EU, and the USA in establishing global tax regimes and know that tax directives are adopted unanimously. They are able to provide historical context to the topic, explaining when the draft directive first circulated.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and straightforward, utilizing strong and emotional expressions such as "globalism on steroids" and accusing opponents of lying. The appeals are primarily value-based, emphasizing the danger of losing tax sovereignty and referencing the birth of the United States as an example of the demand for tax sovereignty. The style is more narrative and persuasive than technical or data-driven.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the legislative debate, posing questions and proposing the rejection of the draft bill. He draws upon his previous experience as Minister of Finance to provide historical context to the issue and underscore the consistency of his stance. He also references a question raised by another Member of Parliament, although he deems it irrelevant.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed both at international organizations (the OECD, Brussels, the Americans) and the Estonian government, particularly the Reform Party, which gave its consent to the directive. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is personally being criticized for breaking promises made before the elections ("taxes won't rise"), and members of the government are being called liars. The criticism is intense and focuses equally on the policy itself and the lack of democratic accountability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information is scarce. The speaker presents strong opposition and proposes rejecting the draft bill, which suggests confrontation rather than cooperation. There is no indication of cross-party cooperation or willingness to compromise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international (the global economy, Brussels, the OECD, the USA) and its impact on Estonia's national sovereignty and the parliament’s right to make decisions. It is emphasized that the Estonian voter no longer has anything to complain about when the rules are dictated from outside. Local or regional issues are not addressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance is strongly pro-sovereignty, opposing international tax regulation, which results in increased bureaucracy and reduced tax revenue for Estonia. The preference is for national control over taxation and the minimal adoption of directives in order to preserve tax sovereignty. Criticism is aimed at the construction of a global economy dominated by large multinational corporations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce. The talks focus exclusively on fiscal and sovereignty-related issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on rejecting Bill 379 SE (Supplementation of Tax Laws) because it infringes upon tax sovereignty. The speaker is a strong opponent who emphasizes that Parliament’s role is to make decisions, not simply to "talk hot air" or posture, especially when international rules have already been established.
3 Speeches Analyzed