Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – second reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing its criticism on the government’s priorities, which are preoccupied with diversionary activities (the harassment of churches, the removal of voting rights) instead of addressing the economic recession and tax increases. The speaker firmly opposes amendments to the law concerning churches and congregations, viewing this as the deliberate persecution of a single organization (the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church) and state interference with religious freedom. The position is value-based, emphasizing the principle of the separation of church and state.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise concerning church-state relations and the modification of legal and administrative documents pertaining to the specific church (the Estonian Orthodox Church). Particular emphasis is placed on the concept of canonical ties, which the state is unable to regulate. Furthermore, the substantive basis of the security threat arguments is challenged, as they are deemed implausible. The speaker also points to poor legal practice, specifically the amending of laws based solely on one particular phenomenon.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and full of pathos, employing strong emotional terms such as "bullying" and "displacement activity." The speaker relies on logical arguments (separation of state and church) and uses comparisons (Social Democrats vs. the Left Party) to ridicule the opposing side’s viewpoints. Rhetorical questions are used to emphasize the inexpediency of the government’s actions, and terminology related to the security threat from the Soviet Union era is referenced.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the March 26 session, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteur and making several procedural motions for a vote. This pattern of activity suggests a focus on the deliberation of a specific bill in the Riigikogu.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Ministry of the Interior (former minister Lauri Läänemets and current minister Igor Taro), who are accused of the systematic persecution of the church. Criticism is also aimed at the government's vague justifications regarding the security threat, as well as colleague Jaanus Karilaid's interpretation of religious freedom. The opposition is intense and accuses the opposing side of poor political and legal practice.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the Center Party faction, proposing that the reading of the bill be suspended and recommending that everyone support this. Cooperation is also demonstrated by agreeing with colleague Varro Vooglaid's position regarding the absence of a security threat.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, including Estonia's economic situation, taxation, and the amendment of the nationwide law on churches and congregations. There is no regional focus.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are deeply worrying and critical, emphasizing the three-year economic slump and the difficulties people face in making ends meet due to rising taxes and excise duties. The government is criticized for tackling unrelated issues instead of solving the core economic problems, with the introduction of the car tax being specifically mentioned.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly defends religious freedom and the principle of separation of church and state, opposing state dictation regarding how churches should operate. Furthermore, there is sharp criticism directed at the proposal to strip non-citizens of their right to vote in local elections, viewing this as an action detrimental to the consolidation of society.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the Draft Act amending the Churches and Congregations Act (Bill 570 SE), the reading of which the Center Party faction proposes to suspend. The speaker is an active opponent, focusing on the poor quality of the bill’s legal and political practice. A bill concerning the revocation of voting rights is also mentioned.
11 Speeches Analyzed