Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-08
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to the tax package (the increase in VAT and income tax) that the government rushed through, which is deemed detrimental to the Estonian economy and the ability of people to cope financially. The second primary focus is on issues within the education sector, specifically advocating for the rapid resolution of the shortage of support specialists and ensuring flexibility during the transition to Estonian-language instruction. The position is critical and centers on the negative repercussions of the policy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of education, focusing on the shortage of support specialists (speech therapists, special education teachers, psychologists) and the needs of SEN children (children with special educational needs) in the context of the transition to Estonian-language education. An economic analysis of the negative effects of tax increases was also presented, linking them to reduced consumption and the risk to budget revenues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and pressing, especially concerning the rushed tax package and the long-ignored deficiencies of the education system. Logical arguments are employed, citing economic damage and the shortage of specialists, and the minister is addressed with specific questions. Finally, the ministry is advised to be more flexible and approach children individually.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity patterns indicate active participation in the work of the Riigikogu (Parliament), submitting interpellations (some of which were drafted as early as May of last year). Participation in the Cultural Committee session is also mentioned, where issues concerning children with special educational needs (SEN) and support specialists were discussed.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the government, which is being criticized for rushing through tax reforms and failing to give them sufficient consideration, resulting in negative consequences for the economy. The criticism is both substantive and procedural, emphasizing that the government is not taking into account all possible associated consequences.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style refers to teamwork when drafting the inquiries ('we drafted'). Direct collaboration with the government is not mentioned, but the minister is advised to review the existing law and adopt a more flexible approach, particularly in supporting children with special educational needs.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, covering the Estonian economy and the education system in its entirety. Special attention is given to the situation of support specialists working with Russian-speaking children and how to support these children in the context of transitioning to Estonian-language education.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes (VAT, income tax) because they reduce consumption, harm businesses (including the tourism sector), and dampen overall economic activity. The preference is for carefully considered and more comprehensive reforms to prevent a drop in budget revenues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the focus is on education and mental well-being, highlighting the urgent need to address the shortage of support specialists, a problem that has become acute due to various crises. There is strong backing for providing individualized support to children with special educational needs (SEN) and for maintaining flexibility during the transition to Estonian-language instruction, particularly concerning the language requirements placed on specialists.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on criticizing the government's tax package and the necessity of amending the Education Act. Specifically, the speaker wants to change the law to allow support specialists (similar to teachers) to continue working under a one-year contract while simultaneously improving their Estonian language proficiency.
6 Speeches Analyzed