Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
First reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of Section 2 of the Law on Holidays and Commemorative Dates (402 SE)
2024-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance involves strong support for increasing the number of public holidays, specifically adding a second day for Easter. The draft legislation is being framed as an apolitical, positive, and widely popular measure, contrasting sharply with the unpopular laws recently processed and passed. This support is driven both by social values (family and leisure time) and the desire to harmonize with international practices.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of working time statistics, citing Eurostat data on the average working week length for Estonia (38 hours) and Europe (37.5 hours). Furthermore, they are familiar with international holiday arrangements, referencing specific countries (Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania) and the impact of European Central Bank holidays on the banking sector. They also refer to previous discussions regarding a similar draft bill and the earlier arguments put forth by the ministries.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive and positive, highlighting the draft law's utility and apolitical character. A balanced line of argumentation is employed, combining logical reasoning (international harmonization, labor productivity) with social values (family and leisure time). The speaker adopts a confidently defensive stance, refuting potential objections raised by various ministries and the Entrepreneurs' Association.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to the bill's previous proceedings in the Riigikogu several years ago. A specific meeting with the leaders of the Estonian Council of Churches in March of this year is mentioned, as well as informal communication with representatives of other factions to gain support.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the ministries, particularly the Ministry of Education, for using outdated arguments and failing to provide impact assessments. The potential opposition is also criticized, as they might vote the bill down simply because it was initiated by the opposition. Furthermore, the resistance from the Entrepreneurs' Association is viewed as short-sighted, given that the time off will be beneficial in the long run.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the apolitical nature of the bill and is actively seeking cross-factional support, citing unofficial positive feedback. Cooperation has been confirmed with the Estonian Council of Churches, which expressed its full support for the amendment. They are also open to discussing more radical proposals from other colleagues (such as a four-day work week or compensatory days off for holidays that fall on a weekend).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on international comparison, emphasizing that most European Union member states and over a hundred countries celebrate the second day of Easter. Estonia is directly compared to the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden) and the Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania). There is no specific local or regional emphasis within Estonia itself.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support the well-being of the workforce, arguing that a well-rested employee restores their energy reserves and brings greater long-term benefit to the company. It is stressed that the draft bill will not result in additional state budget expenditures. The amendment simplifies international business operations, as it eliminates a situation where banking transactions are already hampered due to the European Central Bank holiday.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, emphasis is placed on strengthening family relationships and increasing the amount of time parents and children spend together. The bill concerns a Christian holiday (Easter) and is supported by the Estonian Council of Churches. The Ministry of Education's argument that the learning process would suffer is considered implausible.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the initiation and support of the draft act amending § 2 of the Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Bill 402 SE), which would add the second day of Easter to the list of national holidays. The speaker, who initiated and supports the bill, calls upon the Riigikogu (Parliament) to approve it during the first reading, thereby enabling further legislative proceedings and impact analysis.
5 Speeches Analyzed