Session Profile: Vladimir Arhipov
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-12-04
Political Position
The speaker clearly takes an opposition stance against the government's tax hikes, strongly criticizing the excise duty increases on alcohol, tobacco, and fuel, as well as the so-called security tax. They emphasize that these taxes primarily harm the poorer segments of the population and call them PR stunts designed solely to fill the state treasury. The speaker claims that the government hasn't passed "a single decent law" and demands transparency regarding the true objectives of the tax increases.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a strong understanding of tax policy, especially the effects of excise duties and the structure of land tax. Highlights specific examples of losses incurred by local governments (Viimsi municipality, Maardu city, Lääne-Harju municipality) and demonstrates knowledge of the Estonian state's debt burden, comparing it with other countries. Uses economic arguments to justify borrowing.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
He/She employs a direct and confrontational style, combining irony ("Latvian businessmen bring a bottle of Prosecco") and emotional arguments regarding the plight of the poor. He/She poses rhetorical questions and demands direct answers, using everyday examples (like people "checking prices with a magnifying glass") to illustrate the situation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Mentions active movement throughout Estonia and regular communication with citizens ("I travel extensively across Estonia and speak with many people"). Actively participates in Riigikogu plenary sessions, consistently posing questions to government representatives on various topics.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Sharply criticizes the governing coalition and its policies, accusing them of implementing taxes aimed at the poor and engaging in mere PR stunts. It claims that the coalition is using the pretext of security to justify unpopular taxes and may label the opposition as "enemies of the people." It supports the Centre Party's alternative tax proposals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It mentions specific regions in the context of land tax—Viimsi municipality, the city of Maardu, and Lääne-Harju municipality—which lost thousands of euros due to the land tax reorganization. It emphasizes the difficulties faced by local governments when fulfilling obligations imposed by the state.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports state borrowing as a means of reducing the national tax burden, asserting that "the whole world takes loans" and dismissing the Reform Party's aversion to debt as an "historical notion." The text criticizes excise tax hikes, calling them ineffective measures that harm lower-income groups and promote cross-border commerce. It demands analyses detailing the impact of taxes across various income brackets.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It primarily focuses on socio-economic issues, specifically the plight of the poor and the disproportionate impact of taxation. It highlights that people are forced to "scrutinize prices with a magnifying glass" and that "they will be hit with even more taxes." Concern is expressed that rising prices could lead to an increase in illegal alcohol production.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on taxation and excise duty legislation, raising critical questions regarding the increases in excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. It mentions the Center Party's alternative tax proposals and criticizes the amendments to land tax legislation. It demands that the government adopt better laws and conduct a more comprehensive impact analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed