Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev

Draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE) - first reading

2024-10-16

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political position is fiercely opposed to the 2025 State Budget Draft (513 SE), highlighting its negative impact stemming from sweeping tax increases and rising fees. The criticism is outcome-oriented, rhetorically questioning whose lives the budget will improve, and concluding that it fails to support vulnerable groups. In addition to the substantive critique, emphasis is also placed on the draft’s procedural flaws and lack of transparency.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the fiscal details of the state budget, specifically referencing concrete tax types (excise duties, new taxes) and the increase in specialist doctor visit fees. The presentation also highlights deficiencies in budget transparency and procedural matters, citing the absence of a list detailing grants for foundations as a key example. The core focus of this expertise is the quality of budget preparation and the accountability and traceability of how taxpayer money is spent.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, employing strong rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the budget's goals and impact ("Whose life in Estonia will actually improve thanks to this budget?"). The tone is accusatory, highlighting both the substantive detriment of the budget and its procedural deficiencies ("deficient," "raw"). The appeals made are primarily logical and principled, emphasizing the responsible use of taxpayer money.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data presented covers only a single day (16.10.2024), showing activity during the first reading of the state budget bill. No other appearances, meetings, or communication patterns are evident from the speeches.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the minister who presented the budget and the government, leveling sharp criticism at both the substance of the budget and the procedural quality of its drafting. Criticism is also aimed at the Chairman of the Finance Committee due to the lack of clarity surrounding the draft legislation. The resistance is intense and is grounded in both political concerns (tax increases) and procedural issues (lack of transparency).

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is lacking. The discussions are purely critical issues and contain no references to cooperation, willingness to compromise, or coalitions.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, addressing the draft law of the Estonian State Budget and its impact on population groups across Estonia. Specific regional or international topics are not covered.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker vehemently opposes the introduction of taxes, excise duties, and new levies, viewing this as a negative fiscal measure. Emphasis is placed on fiscal transparency and the core principle that the state only possesses taxpayers' money, suggesting the need for a more responsible and less burdensome budgetary policy.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed through the impact of the budget, emphasizing that the budget does not improve the lives of families with children, people with disabilities, or pensioners. The criticism is directed at the insufficient support for these social groups and the deterioration of their quality of life due to the budgetary measures.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the draft State Budget Law for 2025 (513 SE) during its first reading. The speaker is acting as an opponent, demanding additional work on the draft bill due to its lack of transparency and inherent deficiencies.

2 Speeches Analyzed