Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-16
Political Position
The politician is positioning himself as a strong advocate for lowering the VAT on groceries, viewing this as the right course of action and a solution both to high prices and to the quality of school meals. He criticizes the government's actions, pointing out that the Reform Party-led government raised the VAT by 4 percentage points, which has led to increased food costs. The political focus is clearly policy- and results-driven (taxation and social welfare).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of tax policy, citing specific VAT rates (24%, a 4% increase) and the practices of other European countries. Furthermore, they are familiar with social indicators, such as the status of school meals and the rise in foodstuff thefts reported in the media, which suggests economic hardship.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal and respectful towards the presenter, but simultaneously critical of the government's policy. He uses rhetorical questions to challenge the government's stance (e.g., are other countries that lowered the tax foolish?). The tone is concerned about the economic situation, emphasizing the logical connections between taxes and social problems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session, posing three questions to the rapporteur in a single day, focusing on tax policy and its social consequences. This demonstrates engagement in the discussion of a specific issue and an effort to obtain clarification and validation for their positions. Data concerning broader patterns of activity is unavailable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker is directly criticizing the Reform Party-led government for raising the VAT, which has driven up the cost of food. They also challenge the stance of the Minister of Finance, who supposedly viewed other European countries as foolish for implementing tax cuts. The criticism targets a specific political decision (the tax hike) and its resulting consequences.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is supportive and appreciative of the presenter, praising their actions and the petition as "a very right thing to do." Their goal is rather to affirm and support the presenter's position regarding the necessity of lowering taxes. There is no information available about seeking a cross-party compromise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses on national social and economic policy issues, such as VAT, school meals, and shoplifting. He/She compares Estonia's situation with other European countries, but there is no emphasis placed on specific local or regional projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for lowering taxes, particularly reducing the VAT on groceries, in order to improve the purchasing power of the population and alleviate economic hardship. He views the current high taxation (24%) as a direct cause of expensive food prices and the rise in social problems (thefts).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker raises two crucial social issues: the quality and accessibility of school meals, and the rise in food shoplifting. He directly links this increase in theft to the deterioration of the economic situation, pointing out that people are stealing food specifically, not expensive items.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's main legislative priority is tax policy reform, specifically lowering the VAT rate on groceries. He/She supports the petition, which is a step in the right direction, and is critical of the current tax legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed