Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev

The political focus is currently centered on the critical state of the Estonian economy and the government's failure to act, which is widely viewed as the primary drag on economic growth. This stance is sharply oppositional, stressing the necessity of abandoning planned tax increases and redirecting funds toward investments. The underlying argument is largely results-oriented, accusing the government of pursuing a cynical strategy of revenue collection between election cycles. The role of the opposition parties is defined as initiating crucial discussions and proposing concrete solutions aimed at restoring economic growth.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of macroeconomics, tax policy, and the state budget, citing studies by the Institute of Economic Research and the opinions of economic experts (Potisepp, Raudsepp). Specific data is used regarding inflation (5%), bank profits (one billion euros), and the historically low birth rate. It is emphasized that the causes of the crisis are political, not economic, and specific solutions are proposed, such as a bank tax and maintaining the tax notch.

The rhetorical style is critical, pressing, and at times confrontational, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the government's responsibility. It employs both logical arguments (data concerning the impact of tax hikes and interest rates) and emotional appeals (taking the last penny from people's pockets). The citation of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's remark ("we whine ourselves poor") serves as a pointed attack against the government's denial of reality.

The speech was delivered in the Riigikogu during a debate on a matter of significant national importance, which was initiated by the opposition. There is mention of recent legislative activity concerning the motor vehicle tax bill presented by the Minister of Finance.

The primary criticism is aimed at the Government of the Republic, the Reform Party, and the three coalition parties, who are being labeled as the biggest drag on the economy. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, focusing specifically on the hike in taxes and excise duties and the lack of investment. The government stands accused of failing to provide a unified approach or solutions, and of attempting to portray the situation as being under control.

Cooperation is emphasized with economic experts (Sirje Potisepp, Peeter Raudsepp), who are thanked for their substantive presentations during the debate. The role of the opposition is to initiate discussions within society and propose the Centre Party's solutions. There are no references to cooperation with the coalition parties or any readiness to compromise.

Despite the focus being on the national economy, the difficult situation of Ida-Virumaa residents is highlighted due to the rise in utility bills, given that the standard of living there is already low. The city of Tallinn is cited as a positive example for increasing its investment plans by 20%, contrasting this with the lack of state investment.

The economic platform strongly advocates for investment and growth while opposing tax hikes (such as the car tax, excise duties, and VAT). They support taxing the banking sector's extraordinary profits with a temporary bank levy (e.g., 50%) to raise half a billion euros for the state treasury. In the long run, they call for strategic analysis, increased investment, and the reduction of the bloated state apparatus.

Social issues are tied to the consequences of the economic recession, highlighting historically low birth rates and rising unemployment. Separately, attention is drawn to the record increase in utility bills, which hits regions with a lower standard of living particularly hard, such as Ida-Virumaa.

The legislative focus is on opposing existing tax hikes (VAT, excises) and new taxes (motor vehicle tax). The priority is imposing a bank tax on banks earning extremely large profits and abandoning the plan to eliminate the tax hump in order to save nearly half a billion euros.