Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for the Implementation of the Digital Services Tax in Estonia" (408 OE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political platform heavily emphasizes fiscal fairness and economic governance. The speaker firmly supports implementing a digital tax in Estonia to collect revenue from large corporations that profit at the expense of the Estonian people. They sharply criticize the government's policy, which takes money from the poor and pensioners while simultaneously favoring the wealthy, deeming it harmful and unjust to the economy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international tax policy (OECD, EU, US veto) and the mechanisms for implementing the digital tax, proposing an Estonian temporary solution. They present comparisons with other tax initiatives (the sugar tax) from the standpoint of administrative simplicity and refer to specific economic indicators (Estonia's economic recession, the level of AI investments in the EU).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is sharply critical, combative, and concerned, especially regarding the government's economic policy and the debate culture within the Riigikogu. They employ both emotional appeals (the situation of pensioners) and logical arguments (manageability, stimulating economic growth). The speech also includes direct personal and procedural attacks targeting the competence and conduct of their opponents.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their participation in a European Parliament election campaign debate (at Häädemeeste school) and their recent activities in the Finance Committee, where they witnessed the introduction of the sugar tax. This pattern of activity is linked to active involvement both in parliamentary work and in political campaigning.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the government, who are sharply criticized for their unfair tax policy and the decline of the Estonian economy, which has relegated Estonia to last place in Europe. The criticism is both political (favoring the rich) and procedural, accusing the opponents of damaging the Riigikogu’s debate culture and failing to understand the substance of the draft legislation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker positively references the economic stimulus proposals put forth by his colleague, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, thereby signaling support for cooperation within the faction. He also brings up the fact that the Reform Party representative, Yoko Alender, previously supported the idea of a digital tax, though he expresses doubt that this support will continue. This indicates an openness to non-coalition ideas, coupled with skepticism about whether genuine support will materialize.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (improving the Estonian economy and budget revenues) and international (analysis of OECD and EU tax solutions). The local focus is represented by a brief reference to a debate held at Häädemeeste school and the support of local consumption by pensioners.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of progressive taxation and income redistribution, advocating for funds to be taken from the wealthy, banks, and large corporations (via a digital tax and a bank tax). They oppose taxing lower-income individuals, stressing that such measures are detrimental to the economy as they curb local consumption. They support revitalizing the economy by boosting consumption and encouraging domestic production.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the economic well-being and fair treatment of pensioners and low-income individuals. The speaker sharply criticizes the government for taking money from pensioners, contrasting this move with the simultaneous salary increase granted to members of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and top officials. He stresses that taxing the poor is unjust and detrimental to the economy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is initiating and supporting the draft digital services tax bill (408 OE), proposed by the Center Party faction, which aims to inject an additional 7 million euros into the state budget. He/She is also an active opponent of the government's tax initiatives, such as the sugar tax and income tax concessions that benefit the wealthier segments.
6 Speeches Analyzed