Session Profile: Vladimir Arhipov

15th Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session

2024-11-07

Political Position
The speaker adopts a clearly oppositional stance toward the governing coalition, accusing it of neglecting the populace and failing to deliver on political promises. He strongly advocates for a reduction of the VAT rate in the catering sector, stressing its crucial importance for the welfare of the Estonian people. Furthermore, he criticizes the government's decisions concerning Rail Baltic and rolling stock issues, asserting that the country is "at a standstill."

4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows a strong grasp of economic policy issues, especially regarding taxation and infrastructure projects. They demonstrate knowledge of the challenges facing the catering sector, referencing the impacts of COVID-19 and the entrepreneurs' warning strike. Regarding Rail Baltic, they show expertise, addressing both technical aspects and strategic questions, such as the origin of operators and the necessity of the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
It uses emotional and accusatory rhetoric, characterizing the government's policy as "sad" and an "extortionate tax." Specific examples (talking to entrepreneurs, the pre-strike) are highlighted to support the arguments. The style is direct and confrontational, utilizing questions to pressure the opponent and emphasize one's own viewpoints.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All addresses were delivered on the same day (November 7, 2024) during the Riigikogu plenary session, demonstrating active involvement in parliamentary discussions. This points to direct contact with business owners outside of parliament, indicating regular communication with various interest groups. The focus remains consistently on the same topics across different debates.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It sharply criticizes the governing coalition, accusing it of disregarding the interests of the people and dragging its feet on political decisions. It stresses that the VAT bill has been before the Riigikogu for the fourth time now, without any outcome. It criticizes specific ministers (referencing the minister who dubbed the measure a "robbery tax") as well as the government's strategic decisions concerning the railway sector.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Based on the data, there is not enough information.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on nationwide issues, but emphasizes Estonia's strategic interests in international projects. It highlights the necessity of the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel as a vital connection to the Nordic countries. It expresses concern regarding Estonia's position in the Rail Baltic project compared to Latvia and Lithuania.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports lowering the VAT, especially in the catering sector, emphasizing its positive impact on both consumers and businesses. Expresses concern regarding the balance of the state treasury, inquiring about compensation mechanisms. Criticizes the sale of state assets (railway rolling stock), preferring state control over strategic objects. Shows support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Based on the data, there is insufficient information.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the VAT reduction bill for the catering sector, emphasizing its repeated failure to pass in parliament. There is also interest in the work of the Rail Baltic investigative committee and its potential alternative solutions. Specific questions are posed regarding the practical consequences of legislative initiatives, showing a clear interest in the effectiveness of policy measures.

4 Speeches Analyzed