Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-07
Political Position
Political focus is currently centered on the high cost and slow speed of internet services in Estonia, a situation that places the country second-to-last when compared across the European Union. The speaker adopts a strongly critical stance, demanding government intervention to rectify the market situation and safeguard consumers. This issue is being framed as a failure that undermines the nation's reputation and competitiveness, standing in stark contrast to Estonia's previous status as the "Baltic Tiger."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the ICT sector, citing detailed data on internet speeds and prices, expressed in megabits and euros. He/She references European Commission studies, the 2022 audit by the National Audit Office (Riigikontroll), and analyses published in the press (Eesti Ekspress, Delfi Ärileht). He/She is familiar with the regulatory landscape, criticizing the inaction of the Competition Authority (Konkurentsiamet) and the TTJA.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, but the tone is critical and urgent, emphasizing the seriousness and abnormality of the situation. The speaker uses strong expressions, such as "paying exorbitant money for ultra-slow internet," and relies mainly on data and comparisons with other countries for persuasion. Although critical, he expresses hope regarding the new minister's enthusiasm and readiness to solve the problem.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively exercises parliamentary oversight, having repeatedly submitted formal queries (interpellations) on this matter, often necessitated by changes in ministerial appointments. He/She also references attending a session of the Economic Affairs Committee, where this same issue was debated with representatives from telecom operators. This pattern of action demonstrates a consistent focus on matters of consumer protection and market regulation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at major telecommunications operators (Telia, Elisa) over their high prices and profits, as well as at state institutions (the Competition Authority, TTJA) for their failure to act and their acceptance of market dictation. The speaker dismisses arguments claiming that the limited number of operators prevents intervention, labeling it "a truly pathetic excuse." Furthermore, he criticizes the operators' preference for comparing Estonia to Finland rather than Latvia or Lithuania, given the significant difference in wage levels.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses willingness to cooperate with the new minister, provided that the minister takes the problem with "full seriousness" and takes concrete steps. As a solution, he proposes convening the heads of the major operator companies so that a solution can be found jointly under the state's initiative. The goal of this cooperation is to ease the burden on the end consumer's wallet.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broadly national and international, centering on Estonia's competitiveness and reputation within the ICT sector. Comparisons are primarily drawn with the Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania) and other European countries (Finland, Germany, Greece). The topic of regions in Estonia requiring high-speed internet is also addressed through the audit conducted by the National Audit Office.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective advocates for strong consumer protection intervention, demanding regulatory measures from the state given the conditions of the oligopolistic market. They criticize the large profits of telecom companies and support providing economic relief to consumers, ensuring people aren't forced to pay exorbitant prices for extremely slow internet. An active role for the state in improving market conditions is supported.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on holding the government accountable through interpellation and demanding specific political steps. The goal is to initiate measures that would make internet services cheaper and higher quality for the end consumer, while awaiting proposals from the TTJA or the Competition Authority.
3 Speeches Analyzed