Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Third Reading of the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill (364 SE)
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The politician strongly opposes the introduction of the motor vehicle tax, deeming it economically detrimental and socially unjust. His stance is motivated by concern over the deepening economic downturn and the ability of rural residents and people with disabilities to cope financially. This viewpoint is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the poorest and most vulnerable groups in society. The politician plans to challenge the law both before the president and in court.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise at the intersection of tax policy and social issues, addressing in detail the impact of the motor vehicle tax on allowances for people with disabilities and transport arrangements in rural areas. They are familiar with the procedural details of the draft legislation, referencing the views of the Chancellor of Justice and the substance of the amendments submitted by the Centre Faction. The second speaker exhibits procedural competence as the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee by calling for a recess.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, combative, and insistent, employing strong emotional appeals (the defense of poorer and rural residents) alongside logical arguments (economic recession, constitutional considerations). Sharp and condemnatory language is used to describe the coalition's actions, labeling the procedure a "steamroller" and the tax "totally wrong." The text concludes on an ironically optimistic note, referencing the plan to take the matter to court.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active on the floor of the Riigikogu, delivering a comprehensive opposition speech during the third reading of the bill, emphasizing that the Centre Faction did not use obstruction or call for recesses. The second speaker actively utilized procedural means, taking a recess in their capacity as the Deputy Chairman of the Finance Committee. Both speeches are related to a specific legislative event.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the governing coalition, which is being accused of ramming the law through using a "steamroller" tactic and ignoring substantive amendments. The criticism is intense and covers both the political substance (damaging the economy) and procedural violations. The Social Democrats are being criticized separately because they are not expected to vote against the measure. Furthermore, compromise is ruled out, as there are plans to take the matter to court.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized their faction's (Center Party) readiness for substantive cooperation, submitting concrete amendments aimed at providing concessions to various groups. At the same time, they criticized the coalition's inability to cooperate, noting that these proposals were bundled together with other motions and thus prevented from being voted on separately.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The strong regional focus is aimed at rural residents, stressing the vital necessity of owning a car and highlighting the negative effect of government measures on the sustainability of rural areas. Pärnumaa is cited specifically as an example, where bus services are limited and free bus travel has been abolished. The speaker warns that the new tax will compel people to relocate from the countryside to Tallinn.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly opposed to introducing new taxes during a recession, arguing that such measures would only deepen the economic downturn, which has already persisted for nearly three years. The speaker implicitly supports the idea of a wealth tax, which would shift the burden more heavily onto the rich. This contrasts sharply with the regressive nature of the current car tax, which disproportionately harms lower-income individuals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward the protection of vulnerable groups, specifically people with disabilities, large families, and those who are poorer. The speaker criticizes the government for neglecting the constitutional requirement for special care concerning people with disabilities and for abolishing transport benefits in rural areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 SE) and challenging its constitutionality. The speaker was an active opponent, submitting substantive amendments aimed at creating social benefits, but these were dismissed during the legislative process. The next steps involve requesting that the President refuse to promulgate the law and initiating court proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed