Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The politician is vehemently opposed to the further simplification of e-voting and the implementation of mobile voting (m-voting), stressing their inherent insecurity and the way they undermine the electoral process. He also sharply criticizes the coalition’s move to change the Riigikogu’s rules of procedure, viewing this as restricting the opposition’s rights and potentially a hallmark of dictatorship. His positions are primarily value- and procedure-based, focusing on democratic principles and reliability. As the Center Party faction, they do not support the bill currently under discussion.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the security and technical risks of e-elections, referencing international practice (Germany, Russia) and quoting Estonian IT experts, such as Sven Heiberg, a representative of Cybernetica AS. He is thorough in analyzing the procedural issues and the rules of procedure of the Riigikogu, highlighting the arbitrary compilation of amendments and the use of the confidence vote. He emphasizes that control over the voter application shifts away from the state election service and into the hands of Google and Apple.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, skeptical, and concerned, particularly regarding the violation of parliamentary procedural rules, even including references to dictatorship. The speaker balances logical arguments (expert warnings, the German example) with emotional appeals focused on the devaluing of the importance of the electoral process. The speaker repeatedly employs rhetorical questions to underscore the absurdity and inconsistency of the viewpoints being addressed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session of the Riigikogu, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteur and delivering a longer speech on behalf of the parliamentary group to oppose the draft legislation. All four addresses took place on the same day of the session, demonstrating active involvement in the debate concerning this specific bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the coalition and the committee, who stand accused of systematically limiting the opposition's rights and violating parliamentary rules of procedure. The criticism is intense, ranging from procedural matters (such as refusing to accept breaks, interpellations, and draft legislation) to accusations of introducing elements of a "dictatorship." The speaker shows no readiness to compromise, either on the issue of e-elections or regarding the coalition's methods of procedure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the views of the Centre Party faction and works in cooperation with their fellow faction members, citing the faction's collective decision not to support the draft legislation. There is no evidence of a willingness to compromise with the coalition regarding either the bill under discussion or matters of parliamentary procedure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a lack of focus on specific regional or local issues; attention is centered on the national election process and international comparisons regarding e-voting (Germany, Russia).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker stresses the social importance and value of the electoral process, arguing that simplifying e-voting devalues civic engagement and the fundamental principle of participating in public life. He/She emphasizes that the act of physically going to the polling station demonstrates that a person cares and is actively participating.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amendments to the Electoral Law, especially the draft bill aimed at simplifying e-voting and mobile voting (m-voting), which the speaker and the Center Party faction strongly oppose. Additionally, attention is centered on protecting the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and procedural rules from coalition amendments that seek to limit the opposition’s ability to influence legislative proceedings.
4 Speeches Analyzed