Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-29
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional to the current government and its tax policy, especially the car tax. The speaker claims that the government is pursuing policies hostile toward the Estonian people, which are making life drastically worse. The primary focus is on poverty alleviation, rather than issues related to climate change or the green transition. The political framework is strongly rooted in values and results, leveling accusations of stupidity, greed, and obstinacy against the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of fiscal policy and tax revenue forecasts, citing as an example a VAT revenue result that was a quarter lower than projected. He/She is familiar with the impact of excise duties and income tax on real incomes, as well as the dynamics of cross-border trade (Latvia). Furthermore, the speaker presents data on the proportion of national defense spending within the budget deficit to challenge the necessity of tax hikes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and critical, employing strong and accusatory words such as "repulsive," "insane," and "unhinged nonsense." The speaker balances economic arguments (a decrease in revenue) with direct emotional appeals to protest and direct hatred toward the government. He uses irony, suggesting the taxes be named the "tax on cute bunnies hopping in a fallow field," in order to highlight the government's deception.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, participating in procedural matters, requesting additional time, and making specific proposals to suspend the reading of the draft bill. He/She is involved in the faction's activities and participates in the committee's work, where he/she protested against the bundling of proposals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed directly at the coalition and the government, who are accused of hating the Estonian people and leading the country toward disaster. The criticism is intense and encompasses both political substance (tax hikes) and moral issues (lying about national defense requirements). Compromise is ruled out because, in the speaker's view, the bill cannot be improved and should not be moved forward.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation takes place within the faction, where a joint proposal is made to suspend the reading of the draft bill. The attitude toward the opposing side is confrontational, with protests raised against procedural decisions made in the committee, such as bundling proposals together. There is no apparent openness to compromise, as the content of the draft bill is deemed entirely unacceptable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on domestic issues (poverty in Estonia), but the impact of cross-border economic activity is highlighted, with repeated references to shopping trips to Latvia. People are also urged to register their cars in Lithuania, the Czech Republic, or other countries in order to resist the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that raising VAT, excise duties, and income tax will worsen the economic situation and reduce real income. The speaker criticizes the government's methods for achieving budget balance, claiming that raising taxes will lead to a deterioration in tax revenue collection and put the economy on a crash course. He emphasizes the decline in purchasing power and the fueling of price increases.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most important social issue the speaker emphasizes is poverty, which he considers Estonia's most pressing problem. He argues that the government's policies are making people poorer and places this issue above climate problems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the car tax bill and obstructing its proceedings by proposing to suspend the second reading. The speaker is an active opponent who is demanding a vote on the faction's proposals and calling on those present in the chamber to vote against the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed