Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Draft Law Amending the Value Added Tax Act (593 SE) – First Reading
2025-04-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s actions concerning the VAT on foodstuffs, emphasizing that Estonia is one of the few EU countries that has not lowered this rate. The framework of this position is results-oriented, questioning why the current government cannot perform better than its predecessors. The speaker criticizes the government for its inability to improve performance, regardless of the actions taken by previous governments (EKRE and the Center Party).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the European Union's VAT policy, citing the specific fact that 25 member states have lowered the VAT on food items. The difference in the economic situation between the current and previous governments is also emphasized, referencing the broader economic context.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and inquisitive, utilizing rhetorical questions to challenge the government's actions. The speaker relies on logical comparison (historical context and EU practices) to highlight the failure of the government's policy. The tone is analytical and challenging, rather than emotional.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are representatives of the coalition (ministers and members of the Riigikogu), who face criticism both for their policy decisions (specifically, not changing the VAT rate) and their rhetorical strategy. They are especially faulted for using history as a justification for current mistakes. The criticism is direct, but it remains focused on policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is international, comparing Estonia's actions regarding the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs with the practices of 25 European Union member states. Local or regional topics are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives favor lowering the VAT rate on food items, citing this as a common practice across Europe. It is stressed that the current economic climate is significantly different and likely worse than in preceding periods.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the draft bill (593 SE) amending the Value Added Tax Act, particularly the section concerning the VAT rate applied to foodstuffs. The speaker is taking the opposing stance and is demanding an amendment that would align the tax rate with established EU standards.
1 Speeches Analyzed