Session Profile: Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political position is clearly oppositional, representing the Center Party faction. The main issues are the government’s tax policy (opposition to the sugar tax) and democratic reforms (changes to the electoral law). The political framework is strongly value-driven, criticizing the government’s activities and the values promoted by state-funded media. The government is accused of dipping into the people's pockets and failing to take real action.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority on matters concerning the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and regulations, by asking questions about the conduct of the session and the chairman's reaction to the Prime Minister's insults. A detailed draft bill has also been presented for amending the Riigikogu Election Act, focusing on the distribution of compensatory mandates according to the number of votes received. Knowledge is also demonstrated regarding state media support and the conditions attached to it.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, employing standard forms of address, but the content is sharp, confrontational, and demanding. Strong value-based and emotional appeals are used, particularly in the interpellation, where detailed and personal accusations are leveled against the values of state-funded media and the lifestyles of its editors. The speaker asks questions directly and demands accountability.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The representative is an active legislator, having submitted bills (at least two) on behalf of the parliamentary group, as well as an interpellation to the prime minister in their own name. Procedural questions concerning the conduct of the session are also raised, which points to regular attendance at plenary sittings. This pattern of activity encompasses both legislative initiative and government oversight.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition’s stance is strong, targeting the government and the prime minister over issues of tax policy, values, and parliamentary norms of conduct. The government is criticized for introducing new taxes and for allocating state funds to Russian-language media, whose objectivity and values are called into question. Criticism is also directed at the inaction of the presiding officer regarding the prime minister's rude behavior.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation takes place internally within the faction, with bills being submitted in the name of the Center Party faction. Outside the faction, support is being sought for the VAT reduction bill ("I hope for your support"). There is no direct reference to cross-party cooperation or readiness to compromise, apart from requesting support for a specific bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national issues, such as tax policy, electoral law, and state media support. The proposal to reduce the VAT on local fruits and vegetables suggests an indirect interest in supporting regional or domestic production.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance strongly favors lowering taxes and opposes the introduction of new taxes, such as the sugar tax. The government faces criticism for dipping into the public’s pockets. There is support for reducing the VAT on local fruits and vegetables to 5%, demonstrating a commitment to supporting domestic production and easing the financial strain on the populace.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are being scrutinized through a moralistic lens, specifically questioning the values of state-funded Russian-language media (Delfi, Postimees). The main points of criticism are directed at the publication of articles containing pornographic content and the personal lifestyles of the editors (homosexuality, appearing with an escort/companion). The way the issue is framed points to a strong conservative value framework that challenges the state's financial support for such values.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on two specific bills: lowering the VAT rate on local products to 5% and amending the Riigikogu Election Act. The proposed change to the Election Act centers on distributing compensatory mandates according to the number of votes received by the candidates, citing constitutional grounds for this change. Additionally, the mechanism of parliamentary inquiry (interpellation) is being actively utilized to oversee the government's actions.
5 Speeches Analyzed