Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-02-15
Political Position
The political focus centers on the critical condition of the Estonian economy and the sharp criticism directed at the government's inaction, highlighting that the recession has now persisted for a third year. This stance is vehemently opposed to the government's policy of raising taxes (VAT, excise duties, car tax) and stresses the necessity of dropping the plan to abolish the tax hump while simultaneously introducing a bank tax. The overall approach is primarily policy- and performance-based, leveling accusations against the government for stifling economic growth and lacking any clear vision.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of macroeconomics and fiscal policy, referencing a study by the Estonian Institute of Economic Research (Konjunktuuriinstituut) and comparing inflation rates with Latvia. They employ technical terms such as "tax hump," "Euribor," and "excise duties," and rely on the positions of economic experts (e.g., Sirje Potisepp, Peeter Raudsepp) and business owners. It is emphasized that the root causes of the current crisis stem from political decisions, not economic factors.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent, critical, and combative, emphasizing the critical state of the economy and the government's inaction. The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments and data (such as bank profits and inflation rates) but also employs emotional appeals, accusing the government of taking the very last penny from people's pockets. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's claim that "we whine ourselves poor" is labeled cynical and unconvincing.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the plenary session debate, focusing on the economic issue for which the opposition parties are being commended. Recent events were mentioned, such as the Finance Minister presenting the car tax bill "just yesterday," and the release of a new economic survey "at the start of this month."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The chief adversary is the Government of the Republic, headed by the Reform Party, which is being blamed for acting as the biggest drag on the economy and for causing the current crisis. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, focusing heavily on tax hikes and a complete lack of vision. The government's approach—taking money away from the populace between elections—is being labeled a cynical strategy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the role of opposition parties in society in initiating discussions and proposing solutions during a difficult time for the country. Economic experts Sirje Potisepp and Peeter Raudsepp are thanked and acknowledged for their substantive presentations in the debate. Cooperation with the coalition is not discussed; instead, the lack of a unified approach among the three coalition parties is highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national economic crisis, but attention is drawn to the particularly difficult plight of residents in Ida-Virumaa due to rising utility bills, in an area where the standard of living is already low. The city of Tallinn is cited as a positive example, since the city has increased its investment plans by 20%, contrasting sharply with the state's decision to abandon investments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The proponent is vehemently opposed to tax hikes (VAT, excise duties, and the proposed car tax) and advocates for scaling back the bloated state apparatus. Support is given to increasing investments and generating new revenue streams via a bank tax (50% of profits), designed to tax the banks' excessive profits, with Lithuania being cited as a precedent. In the long run, the emphasis is placed on the necessity of reaching a consensus on what and how the Estonian economy should produce.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed through the lens of economic consequences, highlighting rising unemployment, the historically low birth rate, and the heavy burden of utility bills on the populace. Special emphasis is placed on the difficult situation faced by residents of Ida-Virumaa due to these high costs.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is a strong opponent of the government's tax bills, particularly the motor vehicle tax and excise duty hikes proposed by the Minister of Finance. The legislative priorities involve offering solutions from the Centre Party: abandoning the abolition of the tax bulge to save half a billion euros, and implementing a temporary bank tax.
1 Speeches Analyzed