Session Profile: Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-04-03
Political Position
The political focus centers on the government’s plan to tax the average pension, a proposal that has met with strong opposition, citing the breaking of promises made during the election campaign. Emphasis is also placed on the legitimacy of the Center Party’s proposal to tax banks’ excess profits. This position strongly favors protecting the income of the elderly, and the framework is both value- and results-based (the violation of promises).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate awareness of specific tax policy measures, such as the effect of taxing the average pension (130 euros annually) and the proposal for an excess profits tax on banks. The level of expertise is limited to core issues of social and tax policy, without relying on complex technical data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational and emotional, particularly in the first speech, where a personal story (a begging elderly woman) and the exclamation "Shame!" are employed. Direct questions are used to challenge the fairness and legitimacy of the government's policy, effectively balancing the emotional appeal with political facts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the prime minister, who are sharply criticized for their policy on taxing pensions and for breaking election promises. The criticism is intense, rooted in both policy and values, and involves direct accusations of injustice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The second speaker refers to a colleague (Vadim Belobrovtsev), delegating the defense of the Center Party to him, which indicates intra-party coordination. Information regarding inter-party cooperation or readiness for compromise is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social and tax policy. Although an elderly woman begging on Toompea is mentioned, this example is utilized as a symbol of national poverty, rather than a regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is strong opposition to taxing pensions, reflecting a desire to protect the incomes of the elderly and those with lower earnings. Simultaneously, there is support for taxing banks' excess profits, indicating a preference for income redistribution and the taxation of larger gains.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the economic well-being and poverty among the elderly, illustrated by the example of a single pensioner who cannot afford utilities and food. Consequently, the social focus is aimed at protecting the incomes of senior citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on opposing the government's proposed bill for taxing pensions. They are also promoting the alternative tax law put forward by the Centre Party (the taxation of banks' windfall profits), thereby acting as an advocate for both the opposition and alternative policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed