Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev

The speaker's political stance is one of strong opposition to the government's tax policy, particularly the introduction of new taxes (such as the sugar tax and the car tax) and the raising of existing taxes, arguing that this significantly increases the tax burden on the populace. Furthermore, the coalition is sharply criticized for its failure to deliver on election promises regarding pensions, with the focus being placed squarely on the effectiveness of the government's actions. Opposition to restricting the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections is also a key element of their platform.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in taxation and budget control, referencing the session of the State Budget Control Select Committee and the involvement of the Tax and Customs Board. Specific data is utilized from the Ministry of Finance's analysis concerning the 2027 pension level, and reference is made to the experiences of foreign countries (Portugal) regarding the effectiveness of the sugar tax. Knowledge of the results of the integration monitoring is also evident.

The tone is predominantly critical and confrontational, particularly directed at the Prime Minister, accusing him/her of focusing on the past and breaking campaign promises. Both logical arguments (MoF data, the example of Portugal) and emotional rhetoric are employed, including phrases like ("our residents are being strangled by taxes"). The style remains formal, yet sharp questions are posed that demand concrete answers.

The speaker is active in the work of the Riigikogu committees, participating in the session of the Special Committee for State Budget Control, where the sugar tax was discussed. They also appear during the information hour, repeatedly posing questions to the Prime Minister and various ministers on both economic and socio-political topics.

The main criticism is aimed at the governing coalition, especially the Reform Party, regarding tax hikes and the breaking of pension promises, which critics are calling "just another pre-election lie." The Prime Minister is criticized for focusing on the past, even as the government's current policies are ineffective and place a heavy burden on the public. The Health Minister's proposed sugar tax was deemed unconvincing, especially when contrasted with the concrete arguments put forward by businesses.

The speaker, acting on behalf of the Centre Faction, expresses support for the work carried out by the Social Democrat minister in the areas of Estonian security and integration. This indicates a selectively positive stance regarding the actions of specific ministers. Concurrently, the Social Democratic Party is being asked to take a clear position on the proposed voting rights bill and constitutional amendments.

The primary focus is on national tax policy and pension issues. The regional aspect manifests itself in connection with the question of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections, which directly concerns Estonian local governance.

The speaker is strongly opposed to the introduction of new taxes (sugar tax, car tax) and the raising of existing taxes (VAT, income tax, excise duties), viewing this as suffocating the populace. They demand an extraordinary pension increase to fulfill the pre-election promises regarding the level of the average pension. They side with business interests, citing the arguments made by the Food Industry Association against the sugar tax.

The public health objective in the context of the sugar tax (specifically, the health of children and youth) is addressed, although the actual effectiveness of the tax is questioned. An important social issue is integration and the rights of Russian citizens residing here, particularly the preservation of their voting rights in local elections, citing their positive attitude toward the Estonian state.

The speaker opposes several proposed legislative initiatives, including the sweetened beverage tax bill and the introduction of a car tax. Also in focus is the government's plan to subject pensions to income tax. Another significant priority is the bill concerning the restriction of voting rights for citizens of Russia and Belarus in local elections, and the related issue of amending the constitution.