Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-15
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to tax hikes, particularly the car tax and the so-called national defense tax, viewing them as destructive to the economy and an attempt to mislead the public. The primary focus is the budget crisis engineered by the government, which they characterize as a spending crisis, rather than a lack of revenue. They demand a fundamental change in political choices to halt this country-destroying trajectory.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority regarding the state budget and the costs of major projects, citing specific figures for the budget deficit (1–1.5 billion) and the increase in defense spending (200 million). Particular emphasis is placed on the actual cost of the green transition and Rail Baltic, referring to the green transition's 15 billion cost over the next five to six years. Economic terms such as "tax hump" and "subsidies" are used to justify the need for cost cutting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and forceful, using strong language such as "brutal deception," "massive theft of funds," and a "vicious fraud scheme." The speaker relies heavily on emotional appeals, characterizing the government's actions as the destruction of Estonia, but backs this up with specific financial data. A military metaphor ("the guerrilla flees to fight another day") is employed to describe the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records indicate participation in an extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, during which the speaker delivered both a substantive political address concerning taxes and the budget crisis, and a procedural speech for nominating a candidate for the board. The speaker is an active opposition politician who uses the Riigikogu podium to categorically oppose the government's policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the ruling coalition led by Kaja Kallas/Kristen Michal, who stand accused of triggering a budget crisis and destroying Estonia. Criticism is aimed at specific policies (tax increases, the green transition, Rail Baltic) as well as the government’s incompetence and deceitfulness. Compromise with the government is ruled out because the administration continues on its "course of destruction."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is aimed at representing the common interests of the opposition parties, with the promise that their candidate on the Riigikogu Board will represent all opposition parties. When nominating the candidate, it is emphasized that the deputy speaker position belongs to the largest opposition party. There is absolutely no sign of a willingness to compromise with the governing coalition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is mainly on major national projects (Rail Baltic, the green transition) and the overall state of the national budget. The international direction is also mentioned, demanding a significant reduction in funds allocated to supporting Ukraine (300–500 million euros annually). Individual local or regional issues are not addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly anti-tax, demanding massive spending cuts—rather than revenue increases—to resolve the budget crisis, emphasizing that the core issue is a spending crisis. They call for the termination of the green transition (rohepööre) and the Rail Baltic project, alongside a reduction in support for Ukraine, arguing this will enhance business competitiveness and improve people's ability to cope financially. Specific sources of cuts are proposed to achieve budget balance, which would total hundreds of millions of euros.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the categorical opposition to the car tax bill and its rejection in the Riigikogu. More broadly, the objective is to repeal major costly policies implemented or planned by the government, such as the tax hump, the green transition, and Rail Baltic.
2 Speeches Analyzed