Session Profile: Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-18
Political Position
The political position centers on economic inequality and tax policy. The speaker strongly opposes the increase in VAT on food products, deeming it unfair, and urgently calls for the taxation of bank profits. The framework is value-based, highlighting the lack of solidarity and fairness in government policy, which protects the rich and robs the poor.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of taxation and banking, highlighting specific data points such as VAT percentages (22%, 24%), the advance tax rate for banks (18%), and the billion-euro profit made by commercial banks. Emphasis is placed on the position of Estonian loan interest rates within the Eurozone context, noting that they are the highest in the Eurozone.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, emotional, and accusatory, employing a strong moral appeal and leveling accusations of injustice. The speaker uses dramatic language ("embarrassing," "shamelessly emptying," "robbery") and contrasts rich bankers with poor Estonians to underscore the urgency and unfairness of the situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition and financial institutions (the Bank of Estonia, the Financial Supervision Authority, the Ministry of Finance), who are accused of protecting bankers and robbing the people. The criticism is intense and political, focusing on the government's unfair tax policy and lack of solidarity, pitting "Swedish bankers" against "starving Estonians."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is intra-factional, as the speaker refers to the Centre Party faction’s joint proposal to introduce a bank tax and reduce the VAT on foodstuffs. There are no references to cooperation with the coalition or other parties, and the attitude towards the government is uncompromising.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the Estonian people, our citizens) and international (the Eurozone, Swedish banks), comparing Estonia’s interest rates to the highest in the Euro area. There is a lack of emphasis on specific local regions or projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform is heavily focused on tax redistribution, calling for the taxation of banks' excessively large profits while opposing any increase in consumption taxes that would impact ordinary citizens. The speaker sharply criticizes the financial sector, which profits from having the Eurozone's highest loan interest rates, labeling this activity detrimental to the country.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is economic well-being and poverty, highlighting that high prices are forcing tens of thousands of people to cut back on food. The social framework is tied to economic justice, specifically protecting pensioners and children from the government's tax policy, which strips them of their very last pennies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the Center Party faction’s proposal to introduce a profit tax for banks while simultaneously lowering the value-added tax (VAT) on foodstuffs. The speaker is a strong supporter and initiator of this proposal, viewing it as a solution for making life easier for ordinary people.
3 Speeches Analyzed