Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 344 SE, focusing on the devaluation of electoral procedures and the restriction of opposition rights within the Riigikogu. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the integrity and trustworthiness of democratic processes, particularly concerning the security of e-voting. The speaker criticizes the government’s actions, which "don't smell right" and resemble a dictatorship, because the coalition is forcing its opinion through.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the security of e-elections and international practices, referencing Germany’s experience and the Russian elections. They utilize technical arguments, citing Sven Heiberg, an expert from Cybernetica AS, concerning the loss of control to Google and Apple, and the impossibility of verifying the authenticity of the voter application. Furthermore, the speaker possesses thorough knowledge of the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and their violation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and deeply concerned, particularly regarding the operational procedures of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), utilizing strong emotional language, such as the phrase, "it already smells a bit like dictatorship." The speaker effectively balances logical arguments (citing experts, international comparisons) with value-based appeals concerning the significance and potential devaluation of the electoral process. The presentation itself is formal, yet passionate and probing.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity has been focused on the legislative process taking place in the Riigikogu chamber, repeatedly posing critical questions to the rapporteur, and presenting thorough opposition to the draft bill on behalf of the parliamentary group. The speaker actively participates in the debate, requesting additional time to present their positions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is directed at the ruling coalition, which faces sharp criticism for procedural violations, such as the arbitrary bundling of amendments and the use of confidence votes. The speaker accuses the coalition of stripping the opposition of its rights (recesses, interpellations, procedural questions) and implementing elements of a dictatorship.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is faction-based, as the speaker represents the Centre Party parliamentary group's position of non-support for the draft legislation. There are no indications of openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation, since the opposition to the bill is fundamental.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (amendment of the Estonian Election Act and the organization of work in the Riigikogu) and is also international, highlighting examples of the spread and security of e-voting from Germany and Russia. There are no references to specific local or regional issues.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme revolves around the value of the electoral process and civic duty; the speaker stresses that voting should be a significant and conscious act, not something done merely in passing. They warn that simplifying the election process devalues its significance as a measure of participation in public life.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft bill (344 SE) to amend the Riigikogu Election Act, with the opposition being a strong opponent to both substantive changes (such as simplifying e-voting via smartphone) and procedural amendments. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of ensuring the transparency and reliability of elections by prioritizing the use of paper ballots.
4 Speeches Analyzed