Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-02-07
Political Position
The political focus is on holding the government accountable, demanding the public release of the Nordica special audit report, and sharply criticizing the poor management of the economy. The speaker strongly opposes tax hikes (VAT, car tax), arguing that they lower the standard of living for Estonian people and impede economic growth. Their stance is strongly results-oriented, highlighting the massive state budget deficit, wasteful spending, and the government's inability to manage the economy. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, citing support from public opinion.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the financial history and losses of state-owned airlines (Estonian Air, Nordica), citing precise figures (e.g., 130 million, 72 million, 40 million euros). He also has detailed knowledge of macroeconomic indicators, such as the VAT undercollection (247 million euros) and the duration of the economic recession (eight consecutive quarters). He is well acquainted with the powers of the Riigikogu special committees and the protocols for handling state secrets.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and blunt, employing strong phrases such as "lawbreaking and scandalous" and "having screwed up the economy." The speaker relies on logical arguments and concrete data (e.g., financial losses, inflation rates, the 72% of residents who want the prime minister to resign). He uses sharp contrasts, for example, between the detrimental nature of the car tax and the benefits of the bank tax.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu's information hour, putting pointed questions to the Prime Minister. He/She refers to his/her work on the Finance Committee, where he/she gained insight into the state of Estonia’s public finances, and on the Anti-Corruption Select Committee, whose rights he/she champions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is aimed at Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Climate Minister Kristen Michal, who are accused of being responsible for the failures and lack of transparency within the airlines. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of "screwing up the economy" and committing legal violations by concealing Nordica's reports. The speaker also referenced the possibility of initiating civil or criminal proceedings against high-ranking state officials.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to the reluctant cooperation seen in the previous coalition regarding the support for Nordica, observing that compromises are necessary within a coalition. In the current context, however, his style is entirely confrontational, demanding that the government take responsibility and accusing them of breaking the law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, covering the state of the Estonian economy, tax policy, and the management of state-owned enterprises (Nordica). The international context is also mentioned, comparing Estonia's economic indicators with those of Europe and discussing the bank tax on foreign capital.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the proposed tax increases (VAT, car tax), arguing that they will lower the standard of living for Estonians and cripple the economy. He advocates for stimulating the economy so that tax revenue collection improves, pointing specifically to the 247 million euro shortfall in VAT collection. He prefers implementing a bank tax on foreign capital, as this measure would not damage the purchasing power of Estonian residents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on parliamentary oversight and transparency, requiring the interim report of the Nordica special audit to be made available to the Riigikogu and the Special Committee Against Corruption. He/She is an active opponent of tax increases and participates in the work of the Finance Committee, analyzing the financial overviews presented by the Ministry of Finance.
3 Speeches Analyzed