Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Second Reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-05-28
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to Draft Law 416 SE, as it undermines the economic security of pensioners and exacerbates inequality within society. It is stressed that the government has discontinued the extraordinary pension increases previously implemented by the Centre Party, which constitutes a fair measure. This position is distinctly value-based, centered on social justice and the protection of the elderly. The speaker asserts that every economic decision made by the current government is geared toward increasing inequality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the fundamentals of calculating the pension index, stressing its link to average wages and inflation, rather than demography. Statistics are utilized concerning the poverty risk faced by the elderly (which is nearly three times higher than the EU average) and the pension level targets in developed countries (40% of the average wage). Reference is also made to macroeconomic indicators, such as Estonia's economic recession in Europe.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, confrontational, and personally critical of the opponent, referring to their responses as "gaslighting" and "manspreading." Fact-based corrections (the index's link to inflation) are combined with strong emotional appeals aimed at protecting the elderly. Rhetorical questions are employed, and former Prime Minister Andrus Ansip is quoted to underscore the government's failure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves active participation in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) session during the second reading of a bill, both by asking questions and delivering a longer speech. The individual speaks repeatedly to correct facts and pose follow-up questions, demonstrating a high level of engagement throughout the debate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary resistance is aimed at the Reform Party-led coalition and their economic policies, which are widely viewed as profoundly unjust. The opposition figure (Jürgen Ligi) is being heavily criticized for his rhetoric and factual inaccuracies, and the government is also accused of seizing funds intended for the elderly. The criticism is intense, demanding that the coalition resign or refuse to support the proposed legislation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers positively to the previous practice of the Centre Party-led government regarding extraordinary pension increases. There is no data available concerning the current inter-party cooperation or willingness to compromise on the draft legislation being considered.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national economic problems and social inequality, comparing Estonia to the European Union's average figures. A regional dimension emerges in the criticism of the car tax, which allegedly hits residents of rural areas the hardest.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly geared toward reducing inequality and promoting social justice, specifically opposing the financing of wage hikes for the wealthy at the expense of pensioners. The speaker argues that allowing the wealthy to retain more money does not quickly put it into circulation, thereby exacerbating the economic downturn. The implementation of Lithuania’s solidarity tax on banks was referenced positively.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the well-being and poverty risk faced by the elderly, a rate that is significantly higher in Estonia than the European Union average. The speaker strongly advocates for improving the financial status of pensioners and criticizes government decisions that are worsening their standard of living. The reduction of family benefits, which severely impacts large families, is also being criticized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Act 416 SE, which proposes amendments to the Income Tax Act concerning pensioners' income tax. The speaker is an active opponent of the bill, emphasizing that its adoption would strip nearly 150 euros from every single pensioner.
4 Speeches Analyzed