Session Profile: Martin Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong opposition to the government’s new tax package, which is ironically dubbed the "security tax," but which is, in reality, a tax on bungling economic management. The primary emphasis is placed on the unfairness of these taxes, particularly the elimination of the income tax exemption for pensioners, and the government’s failure to balance the state budget. The political narrative is strongly results-oriented, leveling accusations of incompetence and deception against the government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of financial and tax policy, addressing VAT, income tax, business income tax, and the growth of sovereign debt. They utilize technical terminology and reference alternative solutions, such as an extraordinary bank levy, citing examples from Latvia and Lithuania. The expertise focuses on exposing the deficiencies of the government's fiscal policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative and accusatory, employing ironic and emotionally charged labels ("the tax for screwing over pensioners," "brazenly lying straight to our faces"). There is a powerful appeal to the sense of injustice, accusing the government of hiding behind the security narrative to commit their dirty deeds. The tone is dismissive and cynical, concluding with the observation that the opposing side won't listen anyway.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and representatives of the government, including Kristen Michal and Minister Võrklaev. The criticism is intense and focuses both on political failure ("bungling management") and ethical dishonesty (lying and the use of security rhetoric). Compromise is ruled out, as the speaker calls for a vote against the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation refers to intra-party political initiatives, citing the bank tax proposed last year by the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE). There is no reference whatsoever to seeking compromises with the government coalition or to cross-party cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the Estonian economy, public finances, and pensioners), but international comparisons with Latvia and Lithuania are used to support the arguments. These countries are cited as examples regarding the imposition of an extraordinary bank tax.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to broad-based tax hikes that disproportionately affect the poorer segments of society and pensions, and they criticize the government's inability to balance the budget. It supports a solidarity contribution from the wealthier segments, advocating for the introduction of an extraordinary bank levy targeting foreign and very wealthy corporations. It views the current tax package as merely channeling funds to plug the holes created by the government's fiscal mismanagement.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the economic situation of pensioners and the removal of their income tax exemption, which is considered brazen and unjust. This highlights the social inequality that arises from shifting the tax burden onto the poorer segments of society.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing a specific tax bill (which includes increases to VAT and income tax, along with a new tax on business income). The speaker is an active opponent, urging a 'no' vote on the bill because it neither helps balance the state budget nor addresses the promotion of security.
1 Speeches Analyzed