Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
2024-05-27
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the government’s plan to eliminate unemployment benefits in order to balance the budget, stressing that this would leave job seekers without replacement income. The political stance is focused on preserving the social safety net and preventing additional strain on local governments and the subsistence benefit budget. This position is clearly policy- and value-driven, prioritizing social justice over fiscal austerity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social security, clearly distinguishing between unemployment insurance benefit, unemployment allowance, and subsistence benefit. Specific budget figures are cited regarding savings (50–60 million euros annually), and the reform timeline (July of next year) is referenced. The expertise focuses on the areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and direct, posing a question to the Minister of Social Affairs, who has been "put on the spot." Strong expressions are employed (e.g., "pushed through by force"), and widespread opposition from social partners (employers, trade unions) is cited to underscore the policy's injustice. The rhetoric is largely logical and fact-based, concentrating on the negative repercussions of the policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government's fiscal policy and specifically targets Tiit Riisalo, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology. Riisalo is being criticized for disregarding the views of social partners (employers and trade unions) and for aggressively pushing through the reform. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural, highlighting the lack of consensus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the unified opposition of the social partners (employers, trade unions) to the government's plan, thereby indicating the lack of broad-based consensus. Cooperation is being sought with the Minister of Social Affairs, who is viewed in a certain sense as a victim, in order to find common resistance to the plan proposed by the Minister of Economic Affairs.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social policy and balancing the state budget. Local governments (LGAs) are mentioned as potential bearers of the burden through the subsistence benefit, but regional emphasis is lacking.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes balancing the budget when it comes at the expense of social benefits for the unemployed. Maintaining replacement income for the unemployed and strengthening the social safety net is prioritized over fiscal austerity. The positions lean towards the protection of labor and social welfare.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the livelihood of the unemployed and the accessibility of the social safety net. The speaker advocates for maintaining unemployment benefits to prevent job seekers from being directed into the subsistence allowance system and the resulting social insecurity this entails.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on opposing the government’s proposed reform, which aims to eliminate unemployment benefits and achieve budgetary savings. The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the planned legislative change, emphasizing its negative social impact.
1 Speeches Analyzed