Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Third reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-06-04
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the draft amendment to the Income Tax Act (416 SE), as it takes money from the poor and deepens the economic recession. The policy is framed on a values basis (protecting pensioners and large families) and serves as a criticism of the government's poor economic performance. The speaker demands, as an alternative, the taxation of banks' excess profits in order to avoid burdening the poorer segments of society. The stance is strongly confrontational and forceful.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics (duration of the recession, Estonia's position in the EU) and social statistics (pensioner poverty risk, the ratio of pension to average wage). Specific indicators and comparisons with European Union averages are utilized, such as the threefold difference in the poverty rate for the elderly compared to the EU average. Forecasts are presented regarding the proportion of the pension relative to the average wage in the coming years.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong emotional appeals regarding pensioner poverty and leveling accusations of lying and deception against opponents. The speaker blends statistical data (economic recession, poverty rate) with sharp personal and partisan attacks, specifically referencing criticism from former Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. Furthermore, sarcasm is utilized to critique the coalition's assertions that the pension increase is merely due to inflation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the parliamentary debate during the third reading of Bill 416 (SE), engaging both in substantive discussion and raising points of order regarding the conduct of the session. Their pattern of behavior demonstrates a readiness to intervene immediately following speeches by the opposition to challenge their assertions and accuse them of lying.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is aimed squarely at the ruling coalition, specifically the Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats. The criticism is intense and multi-layered, focusing both on policy decisions (tax hikes) and ethical issues (breaking campaign promises and continuous lying). The opposition remains resolute and rules out any compromise on the bill, accusing their opponents of defrauding pensioners.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to cooperation among the opposition factions, noting that the Centre Faction and apparently some other factions do not support the bill. There is no reference whatsoever to seeking compromises or bilateral cooperation with the governing coalition, focusing only on condemning the coalition's policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards national economic problems and social policy, but it also highlights the negative impact of government decisions on people living in rural areas. There are no other specific regional topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes tax hikes and cuts to subsidies, arguing that they harm the economy and deepen the recession. They strongly advocate for a progressive approach, demanding the taxation of banks' excess profits to avoid burdening poorer groups. Economic policy should focus on social justice and avoid tax breaks aimed at the wealthy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, there is a strong focus on issues concerning benefits for pensioners, children, and large families, as well as the risk of poverty. It is emphasized that passing the draft legislation will increase the poverty rate among the elderly, a rate already significantly exceeding the European Union average. The objective of social policy is to protect groups vulnerable to poverty from government cuts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the opposition to Bill 416 SE (the Act Amending the Income Tax Act) during its third reading. The speaker is acting as a vocal opponent, concentrating on highlighting the negative social and economic consequences of the proposed legislation. The objective is to block the passage of the bill, which would reduce benefits for pensioners.
3 Speeches Analyzed