Session Profile: Vladimir Arhipov
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-16
Political Position
The political stance is strongly critical of society and anti-government. The main issues are the low level of subsistence benefits, insufficient funding for school meals, and the country's economic decline ("in a deep hole"). The criticism targets the failure of government policy and the cynical attitude toward the concerns of ordinary people. The focus is value-based, contrasting with the individualistic worldview that ignores social security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the mechanisms within the social sphere, referencing the specific amount of the subsistence benefit (200 euros) and highlighting its inadequacy. Furthermore, expertise in the tax system (specifically, VAT reduction) and the funding structure for school meals is evident, detailing the contributions made by both the state and local municipalities. This expertise is aimed at analyzing social inequality and the consequences of economic policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, sharp, and direct, employing strong emotional assessments, especially towards the government (e.g., "cynical viewpoint"). Rhetorical questions and ideological opposition are used to emphasize the injustice of the government's policies and the poor state of the country. At the same time, great respect is expressed for civil society initiatives and the work of the presenter ("hats off to you").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session, posing questions directed at the presenters. This pattern demonstrates an interest in the government's official positions and the civil society's planned future pressure campaigns. The questions are designed to elicit information regarding specific actions and meetings (specifically those involving members of the Government of the Republic).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the Government of the Republic and its ministers, who are criticized for cynicism and inadequate policy (e.g., the Minister of Finance's alleged recommendation to "eat less"). The criticism is both political (the failure of the tax system) and ideological, opposing the individualistic worldview ("everyone is the master of their own destiny"). The government's actions are described as leading the country "into a deep hole."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses strong support for civil society initiatives, which have garnered a record level of support (100,000 signatures). The presenter's work and presentation are also highly commended. The interest in cooperation is focused on supporting the future steps of civil society and these initiatives, as well as holding the government accountable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social and economic policy issues that concern the entire Estonian population (e.g., subsistence benefits, the tax system). The role of local municipalities in funding school meals is mentioned, but there is no specific regional focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives highlight the necessity of fixing the failed tax system that has plunged the country into crisis. Lowering the VAT is being considered as a potential solution for climbing out of this economic slump. There is support for social equity, and criticism is leveled against government policies that deepen poverty and force people to purchase substandard goods.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, there is an intensive focus on poverty and the insufficient level of subsistence benefits, which impacts the quality of life for ordinary people. Issues surrounding school children's nutrition and the funding of school meals are highlighted as a major social injustice. The goal of social policy should be to guarantee a decent standard of living, not to force people to seek out low-quality goods.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the necessity of reforming the tax system, particularly the potential reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT). Ensuring the adequacy of social benefits—specifically the subsistence allowance—is also a priority. The speaker supports these initiatives but remains a critic of the government’s overall policy, and is seeking information regarding potential further measures of leverage.
3 Speeches Analyzed