Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Lower the Value Added Tax on Foodstuffs and Medicines to 5 Percent" (272 OE)
2024-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
A strong opposition stance focused on the socio-economic crisis and government inaction. The primary demand is lowering the VAT on food and medicines to 5% in order to mitigate the impact of record inflation and soaring prices on low-income earners and pensioners. The political framework is heavily results-oriented, contrasting the necessity of helping low-wage earners with the perceived favoritism shown to the wealthy through income tax reform.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a strong level of knowledge regarding tax policy, budgetary impacts, and the dynamics of border trade, citing specific figures (a price increase exceeding 40%, and a budget expenditure of 300–400 million). The author demonstrates expertise in explaining the outcomes of previous excise duty reductions (alcohol, fuel), highlighting the resulting price decrease and the positive effect on tax revenue collection. Uses data from Statistics Estonia and the Tax and Customs Board to describe the growing trends in poverty and border trade.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is combative, critical, and insistent, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation (e.g., calling the government's actions "irresponsible and criminal"). It utilizes both emotional appeals (large families, pensioners, shoplifting) and economic arguments. It employs sharp metaphors ("a golden axe to the back of the head," "send the shit to the matter, jump on the heel yourself") and historical anecdotes (a Soviet-era joke, examples from the EKRE government) to illustrate its viewpoints.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches focused on supporting specific draft legislation (272 OE) and detailing its economic and social necessity. Reference was made to previous active measures taken by the government (excise cuts) and holding meetings with market players to ensure that these tax reductions were reflected in consumer prices. A recurring pattern is the blaming of the government for budgetary issues.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the Reform Party, who are accused of poor management of state finances (record debt and deficits) and favoring the higher-paid (income tax reform). The criticism is intense and policy-driven, accusing the government of exacerbating the recession and making people's lives harder. The ruling parties are also referred to as "neo-Marxists" and "tax hikers."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
They are not showing openness to compromises with the government, but instead offer them a "helping hand" (in the form of a proposal) to improve the situation. They refer to previous successful cooperation with market participants (producers, distributors) during excise duty cuts, which was intended to ensure a drop in prices. The coalition is criticized for allowing MPs to dodge or wriggle out of voting.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national economic problems (inflation, poverty) and the need to support domestic food production to ensure security and employment. It highlights the problem of border trade with Latvia, where Estonian residents buy groceries, fuel, and alcohol, which reduces Estonian tax revenue.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports lowering consumption taxes (VAT, excise duties) to boost people's purchasing power and stimulate the economy. He/She opposes the government's tax hikes and income tax reform, arguing that the latter primarily favors high earners. He/She stresses that tax reductions lead to lower prices, increase turnover, and could ultimately be neutral or even positive for the state budget. He/She is also critical of the substantial costs associated with the green transition.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on mitigating poverty and social inequality, emphasizing large families and pensioners as the primary risk groups who would benefit from a reduction in VAT. It also raises healthcare concerns, specifically regarding the accessibility of medicines, and criticizes the taxation of pension income. The text briefly mentions the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and excess mortality, demanding accountability and assistance for those affected.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary priority is lowering the VAT on foodstuffs and medicines to 5% (Proposal 272 OE to the Government of the Republic). [The subject] is acting in the role of initiator/supporter. They also focus on procedural matters within the Riigikogu, agreeing with the legal analysis that bills with budgetary implications require 51 votes, but criticizing the coalition for using this requirement to avoid holding a vote.
14 Speeches Analyzed