Agenda Profile: Aleksandr Tšaplõgin

Debate on the nationally important issue "Why is food expensive?", initiated by the Estonian Centre Party faction.

2025-10-16

XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting

Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on the rising cost of living (specifically food prices) and issues of social inequality. This highlights Estonia's status as one of the countries in Europe with the highest prices, coupled with low wages and pensions. The speaker is demanding robust state intervention and compensation directed towards those who need it most. This stance is strongly outcome-oriented, requiring the state to take active measures to guarantee social protection.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the comparative context of European food prices, noting that Estonia is among the five countries with the highest price levels. In proposing political solutions, he/she utilizes international examples (such as Hungary's fuel price cap) and previous Estonian regulations (electricity tariffs up until 2013).

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is respectful and appreciative, addressing the colleague with compliments regarding their competence and humanity. The speaker raises direct and challenging policy questions, relying on logical arguments and comparative data (salary and pension levels). The tone is concerned and solution-oriented, rather than confrontational.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is restricted to the submission of two questions during the discussion of the nationally important issue, "Why is food expensive?", held on a single date (2025-10-16).

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation with specific political groups or individuals. The indirect criticism is aimed at the state's inaction regarding the compensation and regulation of high food prices, pointing to the need for state intervention.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaboration style is highly supportive and appreciative, praising the colleague (Jana) for her competence and courage in tackling complex issues. The speaker is open to discussing various regulatory mechanisms beyond just tax cuts.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian food prices, wages, and pensions) and on international comparison (Europe, Hungary). There are no references to specific local or regional Estonian issues.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports state intervention in market regulation, proposing both price limitation mechanisms and direct redistribution. It favors social protection and compensation, emphasizing the need to provide free food packages or other compensatory measures to those in need.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is aimed at poverty alleviation and safeguarding vulnerable groups (those in need, poorer individuals) against the high cost of living. It supports direct social benefits, such as free food packages, to mitigate the disproportionate gap between incomes and prices.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Among the priorities is the initiation of legislation that would enable the state to impose price limits (analogous to the regulation of fuel prices or electricity tariffs) and establish compensation mechanisms for low-income individuals.

2 Speeches Analyzed