Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-02-15
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional, centered on criticizing the government's economic failures and the ongoing budget crisis. Key issues include tax increases (especially the car tax) and opposition to the green transition, which is viewed as detrimental to people's prosperity. The framework is strongly results-oriented, emphasizing the need to return to tax cuts and economic growth, just as EKRE did when they were in government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics and tax policy, highlighting specific data points (e.g., 37.5% cumulative inflation, a quarter-million reduction in VAT revenue) and linking political decisions directly to economic outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on the causal relationship between the energy crisis and the subsequent inflation and recession. Furthermore, previous tax cuts (gas excise duty, fuel excise duties) are discussed in detail.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and forceful, employing strong emotional language (e.g., "monumental screw-up," "Estonia haters"). The arguments are a mix of economic analysis and provocative personal statements (e.g., the threat to show the "middle finger" in the Riigikogu courtyard while driving a car registered in Lithuania). The tone is predominantly pessimistic and cautionary, emphasizing that "people just can't cope anymore."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the plenary session debate, focusing on the assessment of the economic situation. The speaker repeatedly referenced previous warnings and forecasts (e.g., concerning the energy crisis and inflation), which points to a consistent pattern of critical communication. No other specific activities, meetings, or travel were mentioned in the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Reform Party-led government and Kaja Kallas, who are subjected to intense criticism covering both policy and personal conduct, being branded as "local lackeys of globalist Brussels" and "haters of Estonia." The criticism is extremely intense, and any compromise is ruled out, stressing that the government is incapable of fixing the situation. Business owners are also criticized for fearing the government and remaining silent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national level (the Estonian economy, the budget crisis, and the well-being of the Estonian people) and the international level (the green transition, Brussels, and Europe). Neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania) are mentioned in a negative context as destinations for tax migration, owing to their more favorable tax conditions (alcohol excise duty, car tax).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly liberal and growth-oriented, advocating for tax cuts (specifically excise duties and fuel taxes) to stimulate the economy and enhance competitiveness. There is fierce opposition to the introduction of new taxes (such as a car tax or an increase in VAT) and the unprecedented expansion of state budget expenditures. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of reducing bureaucracy and acting as a strong partner to entrepreneurs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are linked to economic well-being and the opposition to the green transition, which is viewed as the deliberate reduction of people's wealth and consumption (cars, travel, living conditions). The green transition is seen as a policy of purposeful impoverishment ("Live poorer!").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the implementation of new taxes (such as the car tax) and tax hikes (such as the VAT increase), as these measures exacerbate the economic crisis. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the necessity of reducing the excessive bureaucracy and administrative burden created in the name of the green transition, which is particularly damaging to the agricultural sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed