Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The speaker adopts a fiercely anti-government stance, focusing sharp criticism on the coalition's tax policy (car tax, land tax, pension cuts), arguing that these measures are plunging people into poverty. The political framework is outcome-based, calling the government's priorities into question and directly linking the domestic tax hikes to the context of the European elections. He emphasizes that the government is actively harming the very people whose votes they are soliciting.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates meticulous detail regarding the state budget and the work of the Finance Committee, referencing the preparation for the second reading and the breadth of the discussions. He presents specific large expenditure items (Rail Baltic, aid to Ukraine, green parks) along with approximate monetary figures (e.g., 300–500 million euros) to illustrate the government's misguided priorities during a budget crisis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely combative, critical, and accusatory, expressing sympathy for the Estonian people plunged into poverty and the companies driven into bankruptcy. Strong rhetorical questions are used to challenge the logic behind the government's actions and the motivation of the voters who support them. The style is direct and emotional, focusing on highlighting the economic damage.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active Member of Parliament who participates in plenary sessions by asking questions and submitting procedural motions, such as requesting a recess before a vote. He also refers to his intensive work on the Finance Committee, where the second reading of the legislation was prepared over the course of ten sittings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against the ruling party and the coalition, who stand accused of driving the Estonian populace into poverty and steering businesses toward bankruptcy. The critique centers on policy and priorities, highlighting misguided spending (e.g., Rail Baltic, green subsidies) and unnecessary taxation. The intensity of these attacks is high, and there is no willingness to compromise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches completely lack any reference to cooperation or willingness to compromise with the governing parties; instead, they represent a sharp confrontation. Cooperation is only mentioned indirectly, either by referring to colleagues (Aivar) or by addressing the chairman of the governing party to pose a question.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker draws special attention to the economic well-being of rural residents, who are negatively impacted by the rising land tax and the vehicle tax. However, the focus is broader, encompassing national taxes and budget priorities that affect all average wage earners and pensioners.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the imposition of car tax, land tax, sugar tax, and real estate tax. He demands fiscal discipline and a complete reassessment of priorities, arguing that the budget deficit would disappear if major expenditures were canceled (e.g., Rail Baltic, green subsidies, aid to Ukraine). He defends average wage earners and businesses against the actions of the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social topics are discussed within the context of economic well-being and poverty, emphasizing the worsening situation of pensioners and rural residents due to pension cuts and tax hikes. The focus is on economic inequality, rather than classical culture war issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker acts as an opponent in the legislature, focusing on criticizing budgetary policy and tax laws (the car tax, pension cuts). He refers to his work on the Finance Committee while preparing for the bill's second reading, being an active participant on the opposing side of the legislative process. He also submits procedural motions during the plenary session (a request for a recess).
3 Speeches Analyzed