Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
Utility bills
2024-02-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus centers on economic costs and utility bills, which are being treated as a socio-economic catastrophe, particularly in the Narva region. The speaker is vehemently opposed to the government's policies, especially the introduction of new taxes (the car tax) during a period of economic recession and rising unemployment. The political framework employed is results-oriented, highlighting the government's failure to ensure the residents' ability to cope financially.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates knowledge of the financing requirements for residential building renovation programs, citing the 30% limit on own contribution. They are also familiar with specific data for the city of Narva, such as the nearly twofold increase in heating prices and the local subsistence benefit thresholds. The expertise focuses on socio-economic indicators and housing costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and critical, employing strong emotional appeals and describing the situation as a "socio-economic catastrophe" and "a matter of survival." The speaker poses direct questions to the Prime Minister, forcing a choice between paying utility bills and purchasing essential necessities. He attempts to preempt being labeled a populist, while simultaneously offering a concrete solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data on activity patterns, as only two communications were submitted, both occurring on the same date and focusing on the same subject.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the Government of the Republic and the Prime Minister, who are being criticized for shirking responsibility and pursuing ineffective policies. The criticism is based on both policy and procedure, accusing the government of introducing new taxes (like the car tax) at a time when people are already struggling financially. The speaker also faults the Prime Minister for failing to answer the question.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although the speaker is critical of the government, they offer a constructive proposal to increase state funding in order to reduce the required owner contribution for renovations to 10%. This proposal aims to address several issues (unemployment, utility costs, and the housing stock) in cooperation with the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, underscoring the hardships faced by residents of Narva city and Ida-Viru County, including high utility bills, rising unemployment, and a large elderly population share. While this issue is relevant in other cities as well, Narva has been singled out as a prime example of a socio-economic catastrophe.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes raising taxes (specifically the car tax) during an economic downturn and advocates for state investments and subsidies. He sees the state's role as reducing the required co-financing (to 10%) in order to stimulate renovation projects, reduce unemployment, and ease the financial burden on families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Attention is focused on the economic survival and well-being of low-income residents, pensioners, large families, and other vulnerable groups. It is emphasized that government policy forces these groups to choose between paying utility bills, buying food, medicine, and children's clothing, which points to a deep social crisis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is clearly opposed to the car tax bill, which is currently undergoing its first reading in the Riigikogu (Parliament). The primary legislative proposal is to amend the funding terms for renovation programs, lowering the required self-financing contribution for apartment buildings to a maximum of 10%.
2 Speeches Analyzed