Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The speaker is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, rejecting both the introduction of the car tax and the sharp increase in state fees. This political stance is framed as the government breaking its promises (e.g., the income tax exemption for the average pension) and disregarding the will of the people, stressing that most of the government's initiatives are unpopular among the public. The primary objective is to protect low-income groups and accuse the coalition of plugging budget holes with new taxes.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong knowledge in the field of taxation and state duties, posing detailed questions regarding the registration tax for leased vehicles and exceptions for families with many children. Specific figures and statistics are utilized in the presentations, for instance, referencing public opinion polls (76% opposition to the car tax) and the percentage increases in state fees (an 1100% growth in the citizenship fee). The primary focus is on the impact of the draft legislation on vulnerable groups.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and combative, accusing the coalition of employing "steamroller politics" and lying to the public. Both logical arguments (the Estonian economy is in free fall, budget deficits) and emotional appeals (a schizophrenic situation, the bill will painfully impact low-income groups) are utilized. The speaker addresses the session chair, colleagues, and the public directly, demanding the coalition show "backbone" by admitting responsibility for its actions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in plenary sessions, giving speeches on behalf of the faction, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteurs, and making numerous procedural motions. Recurring patterns include demanding ten-minute recesses and votes on amendments, as well as submitting motions for the rejection of bills. This activity is focused on obstructing the proceedings of current legislation (the car tax, state fees).
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker is fiercely opposed to the ruling coalition, leveling sharp criticism against the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Estonia 200. The critique targets both the substance of the policy (tax hikes) and the procedural side ("steamroller politics," the voting down of opposition proposals). A specific appeal is directed at the Social Democrats and Estonia 200, urging them to consider their constituents' opposition to the tax.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely on behalf of the Centre Party faction, presenting both speeches and procedural motions on the faction's behalf. Previous cooperation is mentioned within the support group for large families with a member of the coalition party (Eesti 200), but it is stressed that this cooperation failed because the coalition voted down all exceptions. No willingness to compromise with the coalition is apparent.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is indirect, but it emphasizes rural residents as a group for whom a car is essential and who will therefore be hit particularly hard by the car tax. The general focus, however, remains on state taxes and government fees.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, arguing that the government is introducing new taxes (such as the car tax) and increasing existing ones (income tax, VAT, and excise duties) at a time when the Estonian economy is "in free fall." It is asserted that the sole purpose of these tax increases is to plug budget holes, rather than compensating for expenses or protecting the environment. The speaker supports shielding low-income groups from the tax burden.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasized social justice, calling for the introduction of car tax exemptions for large families, people with disabilities, and pensioners, citing the constitutional need for special care for these groups. Furthermore, sharp criticism was leveled against the steep increase in the state fee for citizenship applications (rising from 13 euros to 150 euros), arguing that it impedes both integration and the acquisition of citizenship.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priorities involve opposing the proposed car tax bill and the state fees bill. The speaker is an active opponent, submitting motions for rejection on behalf of the parliamentary group and demanding a vote on the opposition's amendments, which were aimed at establishing exemptions. Furthermore, the draft bill regarding the increase of fines is criticized as being part of the same "money-making package."
17 Speeches Analyzed