Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-03-04
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, which is being dubbed irresponsible and unfair. The primary focus is policy- and results-driven, emphasizing the necessity of implementing a popular bank tax to prevent the tax burden from increasing for ordinary citizens (VAT, income tax, car tax). The speaker criticizes the overwhelming prevalence of the government's unpopular decisions and demands the implementation of measures that garner public support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates proficiency in tax policy and state budget matters, utilizing specific examples (the bank tax, the car tax, excise duties). Statistical data is cited regarding rising unemployment and banks' excessive profits (nearly 1 billion), and comparisons are drawn with food taxation practices in other European countries. Concrete figures are employed to analyze the impact of the economic downturn and taxes, such as the 200-euro reduction in family benefits.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and accusatory, labeling the government's actions as irresponsible and highlighting the struggles faced by ordinary people and small businesses. It employs both logical arguments (the revenue potential of the bank tax) and emotional appeals, contrasting the banks' excessive profits with the difficulties experienced by the public. The speaker uses simple yet impactful language, referencing, for instance, "peasant logic" when discussing the taxation of foodstuffs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during the plenary session, addressing the Prime Minister directly with questions and criticism. This indicates active participation in parliamentary debates, focusing on sharp criticism of government policy and the offering of alternative legislative proposals. The speaker is also prepared to defend their fellow faction members (Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart) against accusations made by the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the government and the prime minister, whose tax policies are sharply criticized and labeled as unfair. The criticism is policy-driven, centering on tax hikes (VAT, income tax, excise duties, car tax) and the reduction of social benefits, all of which are deepening the economic recession. The government is accused of blaming the people for the economic downturn instead of focusing on the excessive profits made by banks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic and conditional: the speaker stresses that regarding the bank tax bill, the opposition (including the Centre Faction and the other two factions) would definitely vote in favor, ensuring no obstruction occurs. This demonstrates a willingness for cross-coalition cooperation on popular measures that generate revenue for the state budget. The objective of this cooperation would be the swift adoption of the bill before Midsummer’s Day.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (covering the Estonian economy, unemployment, and ordinary people) and international, drawing on examples of foodstuff taxation practices from various European countries (Finland, Sweden, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland). Specific regional or local topics are absent; the emphasis is placed on macroeconomic and socio-political issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports the temporary taxation of banks' excess profits (the bank tax), viewing it as a responsible and popular source of revenue that would bring more money into the state treasury than the car tax. It opposes broad-based taxes that hit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ordinary people. It advocates for reducing the taxation of essential goods, especially foodstuffs, or implementing a zero rate, citing European practice.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed towards supporting families and ensuring economic security. There is sharp criticism regarding the reduction of benefits for large families by 200 euros per month and the elimination of tax breaks for families with children. Emphasis is also placed on the growing difficulties people face in paying utility bills and the rise in unemployment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the opposition to the government's tax bills (especially the car tax) and the support for the swift processing of alternative tax legislation, specifically bills concerning a bank tax and the reduction of VAT on essential goods. The bank tax was intended to come into force on January 1, 2025, acting either as a substitute for the car tax bill or as a parallel measure.
3 Speeches Analyzed