By Plenary Sessions: Martin Helme
Total Sessions: 126
Fully Profiled: 126
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
The critique focuses on the economic recession, laying the blame squarely on the Reform Party for the 13-quarter decline and the destruction of the Estonian people's livelihoods. The speaker views the government's positive forecasts with skepticism, dismissing them as a mere copy of Soviet propaganda. They contend that the economy is only now starting to recover to the level it had reached before the current administration's policies took effect.
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The economic stance is manifested in opposition to wind turbine projects deemed both expensive and corrupt, particularly those linked to the government's issuance of special permits. The speaker criticizes regulations that grant officials excessive discretionary authority, arguing that this can undermine economic transparency and foster corruption.
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
The speaker is critical of the government's competence in economic and tax policy, asserting that the budget has been "brazenly blown apart." This position highlights the necessity of improved fiscal discipline and casts doubt on the government's capacity to keep the budget balanced.
2025-10-07
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The speaker is a strong advocate for a responsible budget and fiscal discipline, opposing the use of borrowed funds to cover current expenditures. He sharply criticizes leaving debts for subsequent generations and views the current budget as putting the country on a path toward bankruptcy.
2025-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The economic stance strongly demands fiscal discipline, criticizing the doubling of state debt and the deepening of the budget deficit, which is leading the country toward national bankruptcy. The speaker opposes the regressive tax system, which raises all taxes (VAT, excise duties, income tax, car tax) and reduces purchasing power, particularly at the expense of the poorer income deciles. Criticism is also leveled at the siphoning off of state money and subsidies provided to businessmen (wind farm tycoons, the defense industry).
2025-09-24
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing
Supports strict fiscal discipline and balancing income and expenditure, while strongly opposing the government's record increase in spending and borrowing for current expenses. It criticizes the tax policy for regressive income redistribution, where the poorer income deciles pay more and the wealthier receive tax breaks. It claims that the government's policy has "killed Estonian business."
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The economic views are strongly opposed to fiscal policy, criticizing the tax hikes imposed by the government (VAT, income tax, car tax, excise duties, land tax). They also highlight an ethical problem regarding the continuation of business activities with Russia (Stark Logistics), labeling it "blood money." Furthermore, they criticize allocating 5% of GDP to defense spending, claiming it is done so that "as much as possible can be stolen."
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Insufficient data
2025-09-17
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.
Economic viewpoints are limited to criticism regarding the financing of the defense sector, citing its failure (the "defense funding debacle"). This points to concern over the national defense budget and priorities, but no other broad economic views are presented.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Economic views focus on the strict control of public sector spending and fiscal discipline, particularly when managing the defense budget. Strong opposition is voiced against waste and corruption, which leads to funds disappearing into a "black hole."
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker sharply criticizes the healthcare system's constant lack of funding and the depletion of reserves. He/She accuses the minister of passivity in serving the interests of private medicine, which enriches itself by siphoning off taxpayer money. The overall stance favors fiscal responsibility and support for public healthcare.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing
The economic outlook is fiscally pessimistic and highly critical of the government, arguing that the economy is doomed and the state budget deficit is spiraling. There is strong opposition to the car tax, and the government is being accused of deceiving voters regarding the tax hikes, with their tax pledges being labeled as just another lie.
2025-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.
Economic views are tied to the management of defense spending and corruption, alleging that hundreds of millions of euros are illegally being siphoned off. The government’s failure in the fields of economics, taxation, and finance is mentioned, pointing to the need for better financial discipline and anti-corruption efforts. A previous falsehood regarding tax increases is also cited.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
The speaker is a strong proponent of tax cuts, having initiated a draft law to abolish the car tax and criticizing the government for raising income tax, VAT, and excise duties. They demand the responsible use of state funds and accountability for management failures (Nordica investigative committee), and oppose large subsidies (offshore wind farms).
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The economic outlook is presented in a negative light, highlighting the siphoning off of taxpayer funds through corruption scandals (for example, 6 million euros in the Lehtme case, and 5–6 million euros related to the COVID testing procurement). There is a demand for economic benefit analyses concerning the prisoner project, underscoring the necessity of guaranteeing financial gain for the state.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The economic outlook is strongly opposed to government tax hikes and regulation, arguing that these measures have "run the economy into the ground." The speaker sharply criticizes the permanent establishment of temporary taxes and the supposed tax relief, calling the latter a false claim. It is emphasized that people lack the money to pay bills and buy food, prioritizing the financial well-being and solvency of the populace.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
Economic views are fiscally critical, opposing government spending (corruption related to the green transition, LGBT costs) and the tax hike spree. It is emphasized that hiring additional prison guards will not improve the national economy, and the state must not sell itself out at the expense of security, deeming such revenue entirely negligible.
2025-06-02
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
The economic perspective involves criticism concerning how large infrastructure projects (wind energy) are being implemented. Emphasis is placed on suspicions that the rapid progression of these projects is linked to corruption and vast sums of money, specifically citing 2.6 billion euros.
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The economic views are strongly right-wing and conservative, stressing the positive impact of tax reductions (VAT, excise duties) on economic growth, competitiveness, and consumer purchasing power. He believes that tax cuts will increase tax revenue (income tax, social tax, VAT) by reducing the shadow economy and encouraging wage growth in the private sector. Government tax hikes are viewed as detrimental to the economy and corrosive to people's purchasing power.
2025-05-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
Insufficient data.
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The economic stance strongly favors protecting domestic labor, opposing the introduction of cheap foreign labor, which drives down the wages and job security of Estonian people. Business owners are viewed as supporters of the Reform Party, seeking cheaper production input from the state in the form of labor. The only migration Estonia needs is the return migration of Estonians.
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Economic views are heavily focused on protecting the nation's finances and the public's pocketbook, opposing climate policy which is considered economically devastating and poverty-inducing. The speaker supports a draft law aimed at eliminating CO2 penalties for the economy, arguing that this aligns with current EU regulations or demands leaving the EU if necessary.
2025-05-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
On the topic of economic perspectives, opposition to the car tax is mentioned, with it being referred to as an unpopular and abnormal measure that also affects the speaker's own interests ("I have a jeep myself, too").
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The economic outlook is firmly right-wing and pro-tax cuts, stressing the need to lower excise duties to the EU minimum level to boost corporate competitiveness and consumer spending. The speaker criticizes the government’s tax hikes (VAT, income tax, and the proposed car tax) as measures that stifle economic growth and fuel inflation. He advocates borrowing for national defense to rapidly acquire new capabilities, rather than increasing tax rates.
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
The speaker is vehemently opposed to importing cheap labor, arguing that it suppresses wages in the labor market and drives the emigration of Estonians. They demand a high minimum wage requirement for immigrants, asserting that this is the sole criterion for ensuring productivity growth and eliminating low-productivity sectors.
2025-04-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Economic views are sharply critical of the subsidies and taxation associated with the green transition, which are widely regarded as a corrupt scheme (3 billion euros earmarked for embezzlement) and a parasitic activity. Concern is voiced that Estonians are being forced to pay the world's highest electricity prices. Support is given to the position that CO2 taxation is detrimental, both economically and inhumanely.
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
The speaker is critical of the tax hikes implemented by the government and stresses the necessity of restoring purchasing power. They are strongly opposed to increasing the state budget deficit, even though they support raising defense spending. They demand the swift implementation of the promised tax cuts, citing fiscal incompetence.
2025-04-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
There is too little data.
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Economic views are strongly right-wing and fiscally conservative, supporting tax cuts designed to increase people's economic freedom. The speaker criticizes excessive government spending, using the phrase, "look at all the places we're throwing money around." Furthermore, the speaker considers the budgetary consequences of the tax reduction to be negligible.
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
The economic views are aimed at protecting ordinary people and the middle class. The platform strongly supports an extraordinary bank tax and opposes all tax increases imposed by the government (car tax, income tax, VAT, and excises). It criticizes the government’s preferential treatment of Swedish banks and advocates for channeling revenues into the state budget at the expense of bank profits, citing Lithuania's success as an example. It favors an economic policy that protects working people from the interests of bankers.
2025-04-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker strongly advocates for lowering and abolishing taxes, criticizing the coalition for voting against the relevant opposition bill. He positions himself as a champion of fiscal discipline and low taxes, accusing the government of betraying its right-wing economic promises.
2025-03-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
There is not enough data.
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Insufficient data.
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Strongly supports tax cuts, particularly eliminating income tax on the first euro earned, but sharply opposes broad-based tax hikes (VAT, excise duties, land tax, and the proposed car tax). Furthermore, they accuse the government of corruption related to the financing of the state defense industry (Milrem), labeling the action as the misappropriation of funds.
2025-03-17
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Economic perspectives are firmly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that they have increased the tax burden relative to GDP (from 33% to 36%). The speaker is skeptical of the government's promises regarding economic and income growth, deeming the expectation of simultaneous tax increases and economic growth contradictory. The cancellation of the security tax is also criticized.
2025-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Economic views are tied to criticism of COVID policy, highlighting opposition to the massive spending and the profits raked in by vaccine manufacturers and "vaccine pimps." This represented a huge revenue stream for politically connected companies, suggesting a strong demand for regulation and transparency. Cynical manipulation of funds is also mentioned (for example, offering an iPhone in exchange for a jab).
2025-03-12
The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Economic views are sharply opposed to tax hikes and government spending, with particular criticism aimed at the 2.6 billion allocated to the wind energy sector. They demand responsible stewardship of natural resources, citing the Norwegian Oil Fund as a model that Estonia cannot emulate due to corruption. Support is also given to the preservation and responsible economic management of state assets.
2025-02-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Economic perspectives emphasize low taxes and cheap electricity, contrasting this sharply with the current situation where both taxes and prices are high. There is strong opposition directed at billion-euro subsidy schemes, which are viewed as corrupt handouts to selected businessmen rather than genuine support for economic growth. The preference is for fiscal discipline and transparency.
2025-02-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The economic perspective centers on protecting a specific small economic sector (beekeeping) and mitigating risks that impact both productivity and income. Emphasis is placed on the need to understand and resolve practical issues that threaten the livelihoods of producers.
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Insufficient data.
2025-02-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The economic stance is firmly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the government's financial ineptitude and the corrupt distribution of funds (subsidies for green energy). The budget crisis is viewed as the direct result of incompetent economic management, stemming from a continuous stream of poor decisions. They advocate for encouraging investment and stand against the bankruptcy of state-owned enterprises (Nordica).
2025-02-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
Economic perspectives are presented indirectly, emphasizing transparency in the use of taxpayer money and criticizing the massive corruption in procurement tolerated by the government. The impact of losing USAID funding directed at the socialists is also mentioned.
2025-02-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Insufficient data
2025-01-30
Fifteenth Estonian Parliament, fifth session, plenary session.
There is too little data.
2025-01-29
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th sitting, information briefing
Economic views are strongly opposed to state subsidies and massive spending on renewable energy, which is widely seen as driving Estonia toward bankruptcy. It is emphasized that the consumer ultimately bears the burden of all costs (through tax hikes, network tariffs, or more expensive products), even if these expenses are not directly visible on the electricity bill. The preference is for cheap, already amortized oil shale energy, while the government’s tax increases (car tax, excise duties, VAT, land tax) and spending cuts are heavily criticized.
2025-01-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Not enough data
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
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.
2024-12-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth session, press briefing.
Economic arguments focus on the transparency and control of public sector funding. The speaker criticizes the situation where the national defense industry largely relies on public sector money, even though it operates as a private sector entity, citing the need to prevent the misuse of public funds.
2024-12-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
Economic views are leaning towards resource nationalism and protectionism, expressing strong opposition to the alienation of strategic mineral resources to foreign business interests, especially oligarchs. State control over resources is preferred.
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the raising of VAT, income tax, and excise duties under the pretext of national defense. The excise policy is considered ineffective because it reduces state revenue and wastes money intended for national defense spending on unnecessary foreign missions.
2024-12-04
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Economic perspectives emphasize maintaining state-owned production capacity and oppose government regulations (such as strict environmental standards and new fees) that distort the market. The speaker argues that government intervention is aimed at liquidating industry, rather than ensuring the natural functioning of the market.
2024-12-03
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the increase of every single tax—including VAT, income tax, excises, the car tax, and so on. He advocates for prioritizing Estonian people and services, arguing against foreign aid (such as giving 4 million to the EBRD) at a time when schools are being shut down in Estonia and health insurance is being stripped from stay-at-home mothers. This foreign aid is viewed as nothing more than a money laundering scheme.
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
There is not enough data. It only briefly mentions the removal of "business freedoms" during the COVID era, which is part of a broader critique against the government's restriction of rights.
2024-11-20
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing.
No data available
2024-11-13
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
His economic views are strongly fiscally conservative: he advocates for a balanced budget (referencing the 2019 and 2020 budgets) and opposes tax hikes. He argues that the government’s policies will lead to an economic recession, the destruction of competitiveness, and the impoverishment of the population, because inflation is outpacing wage and pension increases.
2024-11-13
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Economic views are tied to regional policy, criticizing the reduction of funding for rail, bus, and ferry services, as well as the lack of new infrastructure projects (such as four-lane highways). Criticism is also directed at the government's desire to centralize the decision-making level regarding the allocation of funds, moving it from lower administrative tiers up to the central government.
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Economic views primarily concern the ethical and prioritized use of state funds (taxpayer money). Support is given to fiscal discipline and the channeling of money towards vital services, such as cancer treatment and psychological assistance, rather than the funding of abortion.
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Strong opposition to the government's fiscal policy and tax hikes, which are regarded as deepening the economic recession, damaging the competitiveness of Estonian companies, and being non-transparent. Minister Ligi is accused of incompetence and preparing a budget based on flawed assumptions, which has driven the country "into the ground."
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
The economic perspectives offered are limited to blaming the government for the economic downturn and shirking responsibility. No specific economic policy positions (such as taxes or regulations) are put forward.
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
There is strong opposition to the tax hikes, which are viewed as the primary and direct cause of the economic recession, thereby dismissing the government’s claims that the tax increases are insignificant. It stresses that the state is a cost center that requires funding (e.g., maintaining prisons and police forces), and criticizes the government’s desire to profit by renting out prisons.
2024-10-14
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
The speaker strongly opposes the cuts to social benefits (18 million euros), deeming them negligible compared to the massive tax hikes (200 million) and foreign aid expenditures. The budget policy is viewed as a policy of hating families, rather than an economic necessity. There is support for redirecting the state's financial resources toward domestic families instead of foreign aid.
2024-10-10
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth sitting, plenary session.
Insufficient data.
2024-10-09
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session.
Economic views focus on the transparency of the national budget and responsible spending within the social sphere. The speaker criticizes the transfer of funds to the Health Insurance Fund, which, in their estimation, does not guarantee real growth but instead leads to the further contraction of already underfunded services.
2024-10-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
The speaker is a strong proponent of the market economy and an opponent of socialism, criticizing excessive state intervention, subsidization, and high taxation (for example, taxing the oil shale industry out of existence). He opposes the growth of the state budget and the redistribution of GDP, which, in his view, stifles the economy and leads to deficits. The introduction of cheap labor is seen as a mechanism that shifts wealth from employees to capital.
2024-10-07
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Economic perspectives strongly support a significantly larger national investment in infrastructure and road maintenance, criticizing the road maintenance plan for being underfunded due to inflation. The speaker emphasizes that the revenue collected from fuel excise duties (521 million euros) should primarily be allocated to road construction and maintenance.
2024-09-26
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
The economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, especially concerning income tax and the taxation of pensions, and emphasize the detrimental effects of anti-business policies. Regarding the budget, irresponsible borrowing and the depletion of reserves are criticized, while simultaneously demanding cuts to funding for ideological NGOs and expenses related to the green transition. The speaker stresses the need to grow wealth, not stifle it through taxation.
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
No data available
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Economic views are sharply critical of the current government's tax hikes and irresponsible borrowing, which have resulted in a prolonged economic recession. The speaker opposes the "green energy" policy, arguing that it leads to higher electricity costs, and stresses the necessity of fixing the nation's finances rather than doubling the debt burden. He criticizes the government's alleged counter-cyclical approach, pointing to massive overspending and excessive borrowing.
2024-09-24
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
The speaker supports measures that increase economic freedom (such as the release of Second Pillar funds) and sharply criticizes the government’s fiscal management, which has led to a deep recession. The emphasis is on social justice and the livelihood of minimum-wage earners, demanding solutions targeted specifically at them.
2024-09-23
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Economic views center on criticizing government spending, deeming the savings achieved by closing the consulate general negligible and incomprehensible. It is argued that the government spends hundreds and thousands of times more elsewhere, which makes the savings argument unreliable.
2024-09-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Economic perspectives are critical of the current energy policy, which is deemed overly costly and inflationary. Emphasis is placed on the need to finance multi-billion-dollar projects, which will inevitably lead to severe tax hikes and higher electricity prices for consumers. This viewpoint advocates for protecting the consumer from excessive public expenditures.
2024-09-18
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that they kill entrepreneurship and funnel money into the green transition instead of national defense. The speaker is also against the corporate support measure (€160 million), deeming it unreasonable and legalized corruption. It is stressed that the money is being taken from socially vital sectors (maternity benefits, extracurricular education) and handed over to businessmen close to the government.
2024-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Economic views strongly advocate for the inviolability of private property, standing in opposition to state intervention. The green transition is viewed as a neo-communist planned economy project whose goal is the largest redistribution of wealth and centralized governance in history.
2024-09-16
The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of protecting the Estonian populace from the negative impacts of the open market, particularly concerning the surge in real estate and land prices driven by foreign buyers. There is support for ensuring domestic economic accessibility and affordability, standing in opposition to the uncontrolled influx of foreign capital. Furthermore, criticism is leveled against government subsidy cuts, which directly impact the economic sustainability of families.
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
The speaker opposes immigration, viewing it as a mechanism for cost and wealth redistribution that suppresses labor prices and benefits only large corporations. He criticizes government spending, specifically calling the development of the defense industry a potentially corrupt financial scheme ("milking the taxpayer"). He prefers directing expenditures toward essential items necessary for defending his own territory, rather than purchasing the world's most expensive missiles.
2024-09-11
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, press briefing.
Economic views are strongly fiscally conservative, criticizing the government's incessant overspending and the growth of national debt (2.4 billion in overspending). They oppose tax increases and question the sensibility of making cuts (at the expense of children and healthcare), demanding an explanation regarding the disappearance of subsidies, signed off by government members, into a "black hole."
2024-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Economic arguments center on protecting pensioners, sharply opposing amendments to the income tax law that reduce the disposable income available to retirees. The government is directly accused of attacking and cutting pensions.
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu extraordinary session.
Not enough data. The speaker mentions that the opposition is guided solely by "power and money," but fails to present concrete positions on taxes, the budget, or economic regulation.
2024-07-29
The 15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu.
The economic platform is staunchly anti-tax, especially concerning the car tax, which they deem wealth-destroying and economically misguided. They favor policies that genuinely support the welfare and economic prosperity of the Estonian people, contrasting sharply with the government's current fiscal policy.
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
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.
2024-07-22
15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu's extraordinary session.
Economic positions are strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing that high taxes and expensive electricity (the green transition) are killing the economy. They emphasize that tax increases are forcing businesses to shut down and lay off staff. The speaker is skeptical of the government's large investment subsidies, suspecting they are being channeled toward coalition donors rather than genuinely stimulating the economy as a whole.
2024-07-15
15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
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.
2024-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of protecting the Estonian budget and the agricultural sector. The speaker is concerned about rising membership fees and decreasing EU funding, and warns specifically against cheap Ukrainian agricultural products (dumping) entering the market and distorting competition. Concrete calculations regarding the economic impact are required.
2024-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
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.
2024-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
Economic perspectives focus on the unethical use of taxpayer money to finance lobbying efforts within the ministry. Strong opposition is voiced against Bolt's business model, which is labeled a pyramid scheme, and the economic value of stock options is highlighted. The constitutional right to advocate for business interests is supported, but not when done through a lobbyist employed by the state.
2024-05-29
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, information briefing
The economic views emphasize strong opposition to tax hikes and the billion-euro budget deficits created by the government. The speaker advocates radical spending cuts, identifying the Rail Baltic project (the Estonian portion, estimated at 8–10 billion) as the greatest source of financial waste. The goal is to achieve fiscal responsibility by terminating expensive and non-performing projects.
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes (car tax, land tax, excises, VAT, and the elimination of income tax exemptions) and emphasize the need to protect the purchasing power of pensioners. It criticizes the government's fiscal policy, which has resulted in a large deficit and growing national debt, warning of potential IMF intervention. It supports the view that the nation's finances were in better shape prior to the current government.
2024-05-27
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Economic positions center on criticizing state budget expenditures, particularly the allocation of hundreds of millions of taxpayer money to ideological NGOs, which is viewed as wasteful spending. It calls for strict oversight and accountability regarding the use of public funds (including EU funds), challenging the state's obligation to support third-sector propaganda activities.
2024-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
There is insufficient information regarding economic perspectives (taxation, budget, regulations).
2024-05-13
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Insufficient data. (Economic policy topics are not addressed in the speech.)
2024-05-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Not enough data
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
The economic views are strongly fiscally conservative, opposing tax hikes (such as the car tax and property tax) and demanding that state finances be brought under control. They view the government as an economic bungler responsible for the worsening economy, rather than blaming businesses. They also criticize the government's use of statistics to conceal the true state of economic growth.
2024-05-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
The economic outlook centers on criticizing the Ministry of Education's budget management, stressing the necessity of utilizing previously unspent funds for teacher salary hikes and cutting wasteful project expenditures. There is support for increasing and differentiating the minimum base salary for teachers, coupled with a demand that the state provide local municipalities with adequate funding to meet these obligations.
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Economic perspectives focus on social justice, sharply criticizing the government's failure to ensure pension increases that would outpace actual inflation. Emphasis is placed on the government breaking its promises regarding the taxation of pensioners, which highlights concerns about the economic security of the elderly.
2024-04-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
The economic views emphasize the stability of the money supply and the defense of the market economy, standing in opposition to unrestrained money printing and high interest rates that drain significant sums from the Estonian economy. The speaker is strongly anti-regulation, particularly concerning green policies (such as the CO2 tax and mandatory renovations), which are viewed as destroying competitiveness and causing deindustrialization. Climate policy is seen as an attempt to abolish private property and the market economy.
2024-04-18
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
He/She advocates achieving economic growth through tax cuts, arguing that this would return 600–700 million euros to the state budget and reduce the deficit. He/She is strongly opposed to state budget spending on ideological projects such as Rail Baltic and the subsidizing of renewable energy, which push the country into deficit. He/She supports continuing cheap and efficient electricity generation.
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Insufficient data. The speech primarily concerns democratic procedures and the e-voting system, not economic policy, taxation, or the budget.
2024-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Insufficient data.
2024-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
The speaker supports the prudent and effective use of public funds and fiscal discipline. He criticizes the installation of expensive plastic posts, preferring instead to invest in larger, longer-term infrastructure projects, such as four-lane roads.
2024-04-04
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Insufficient data.
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Economic viewpoints are expressed indirectly, criticizing the state's resource allocation, particularly the large amount of aid to Ukraine, for which taxes are being raised. The speaker casts doubt on the government's claims that establishing Ukrainian-language schools is beyond the state's means, considering the volume of aid that has been provided.
2024-04-01
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Economic views are expressed in sharp opposition to the government’s tax policy (the car tax) and benefit cuts (the removal of child benefits), which reduce prosperity and the sense of security. The economic decline is emphasized (GDP has been in decline for eight consecutive quarters), and it is claimed that immigration makes Estonian people poorer and increases state budget expenditure.
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Insufficient data.
2024-03-18
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Data is scarce
2024-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
Economic views strongly advocate for tax cuts, particularly concerning consumption taxes, in order to mitigate inflation and support low-income earners. The speaker believes that these tax reductions will increase turnover and boost tax revenue from other sources. He criticizes the government's substantial debt burden, the billions in costs associated with the green transition, and the income tax system, which he argues favors high-wage earners.
2024-03-13
15th Estonian Parliament, third sitting, information briefing
Not enough data
2024-03-12
15th Riigikogu, 3rd plenary sitting
No data available
2024-03-11
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
The speaker is vehemently opposed to increasing the tax burden, especially the car tax, which he describes as fundamentally anti-property and anti-freedom. He criticizes the removal of family benefits and the increased tax burden, noting that this will hit families with children the hardest. He positions himself as a defender of personal choice and property rights against the leftist agenda.
2024-03-07
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third sitting, plenary session
Economic views are strongly anti-regulation, especially regarding CO2 fines, which distort energy markets and make oil shale expensive. The policy is viewed as a grand wealth redistribution scheme where consumers are stripped of their money, cars, meat, and homes. It supports investments in nuclear energy as a long-term and stable alternative to expensive cable projects.
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the government's energy policy, which he/she believes is the root cause of the economic downturn and drives up electricity costs (citing subsidies and CO2 penalties). He/She also opposes raising taxes and adopting international tax regulations, arguing that these measures diminish Estonia's tax sovereignty, increase bureaucracy, and ultimately result in lower tax revenue for Estonia.
2024-03-05
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The speaker is worried about the state budget deficit and is criticizing the government’s plan to spend 2 billion euros on green initiatives, arguing that this will only drive up energy costs. They prioritize economic rationality and preserving production capacity over environmental objectives that inevitably lead to price increases.
2024-03-04
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly the proposed car tax and the taxation of land beneath one's home. The speaker criticizes the government as being anti-wealth and anti-private property, labeling their policies as communism. They favor economic growth and low inflation, suggesting instead that banks should be taxed as an alternative, rather than private individuals or collectors.
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
He strongly advocates for tax cuts (VAT, excise duties), arguing that they increase state budget revenues (including labor taxes) and improve workers' lives through higher wages. He rejects the argument that merchants simply pocket the money from price reductions, citing examples to the contrary. He supports stimulating economic growth through tax policy.
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
No data is available. It is only mentioned that government information operations are carried out "with taxpayer money," pointing to the inefficient use of resources instead of ensuring security.
2024-02-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
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.
2024-02-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Not enough data
2024-02-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.
He/She strongly supports taxing banks' excess profits (around 150 million euros) as a way to fill the state budget without damaging the economy. He/She sharply opposes the government’s tax hikes (VAT, excises, car tax), arguing that they are deepening the recession and reducing the purchasing power of the Estonian people. He/She believes that banks are earning windfall profits—money found on the ground, so to speak—without having to do any work for it themselves.
2024-02-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the proposed tax increases (VAT, car tax), arguing that they will lower the standard of living for Estonians and cripple the economy. He advocates for stimulating the economy so that tax revenue collection improves, pointing specifically to the 247 million euro shortfall in VAT collection. He prefers implementing a bank tax on foreign capital, as this measure would not damage the purchasing power of Estonian residents.
2024-01-25
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Insufficient data
2024-01-24
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Economic perspectives are leaning toward tax cuts, with strong support for reducing the fuel excise duty in order to achieve more favorable prices for consumers. The objective is to provide direct economic relief and bolster consumer purchasing power.
2024-01-22
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Strongly supportive of the market economy, standing in opposition to the command economy and state encumbrances on private property. It opposes new taxes (such as the car tax) and tax hikes, stressing their negative impact on inflation and the impoverishment of the populace (citing a 37.4% price increase). It favors PPP models for infrastructure development and criticizes the high expense of Rail Baltic.
2024-01-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
His economic views strongly advocate for tax cuts, based on the belief that reducing the income tax rate will boost the economy and improve people's livelihoods and purchasing power. Ideologically, he supports a flat income tax. He criticizes the government's policies, which he argues have resulted in inflation and financial scarcity, and suggests cutting taxes rather than running a state budget deficit.
2024-01-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Insufficient data.
2024-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
The speaker sharply criticizes government spending, deeming Rail Baltic an economically unsound expense rather than an investment. He stresses that European Union funds are also money belonging to the Estonian taxpayer. He prioritizes domestic infrastructure (roads) and teacher salary increases, contrasting these needs with the billion-euro expenditures required for Rail Baltic.
2024-01-11
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
The necessity of conducting state budgetary analysis when passing legislation is stressed, reflecting concerns regarding the transparency of public finances and expenditures. Although no explicit stances on taxes or economic growth are offered, responsible fiscal discipline is nonetheless required.
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
His economic views clearly favor tax cuts, proposing lowering the VAT to 19.2% and 19.3%, which he considers better than the current situation. He is extremely critical of the state allocating funds to international development projects, viewing this practice as corrupt and inefficient. He points to the corporate business interests of France and other Southern European countries in Africa.