Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth session, press briefing.
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely opposed to the government’s tax policy, criticizing the newly implemented taxes (the car tax, VAT, and income tax) as unjust and disproportionately affecting lower-income segments of the population. The speaker strongly advocates for the introduction of a bank tax, referencing its crucial role in financing national security, and criticizes the decision not to raise the alcohol tax, attributing this failure to lobbying efforts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in taxation and regional fiscal policy, bringing up concrete examples concerning the timing of the implementation of the Lithuanian and Latvian bank tax (solidarity tax) and the expected revenue (e.g., 93 million euros for Latvia next year). Specific terminology like "solidarity tax" is employed, and the Euribor level is referenced.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and challenging, employing strong contrasts (Estonia vs. Latvia/Lithuania) and rhetorical questions to highlight the unfairness of the government's decisions. The speaker quotes the prime minister's phrase ("tax festival") and references the public debate surrounding the alcohol lobby to underscore the government's inconsistencies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the ruling coalition and its tax policy, which is criticized as unfair for taxing individuals instead of banks. Separately, the government's decision to forgo raising the alcohol tax is also criticized, with observers pointing to strong lobbying by alcohol producers and retailers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is skeptical of the government and asked the minister whether he really needs to remain in a government where nobody listens to him, referencing the rejection of the Social Democratic Party's proposals. This indicates a lack of trust regarding the coalition's ability to cooperate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong regional focus on the Baltic states, using Latvia and Lithuania as models for introducing a bank tax and directing the resulting revenue toward security funding. The speaker emphasizes that in Lithuania and Latvia, banks pay the security tax, not private individuals, as is the case in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the introduction of a bank tax (a solidarity levy) to tax the increased profits of commercial banks and direct the revenue towards security funding. It is critical of broad-based tax increases (VAT, income tax, car tax, fuel excise duty) that will painfully hit poorer population groups, and opposes taxing pensions with income tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When discussing social issues, emphasis is placed on the regressive impact of tax increases (e.g., the car tax, fuel excise duty) on poorer and less financially secure segments of the population. Furthermore, the introduction of income tax on pensions is criticized, marking a new negative social change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is levying a bank tax in Estonia, following the model set by Latvia and Lithuania. The speaker opposes the taxes and excise duties imposed by the government, which he considers unjust.
2 Speeches Analyzed