Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Third Reading of the Draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act (364 UA)
2024-07-29
The 15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu.
Political Position
The politician is a strong opponent of the car tax, viewing it as a temporary win for the coalition that will, however, cause long-term economic damage and uncertainty. He criticizes the government for abandoning economic growth and stresses that tax hikes during a crisis hit the poorest people the hardest. His political position is strongly performance-based, focusing on the government's inability to prevent Estonia from falling to third place among the Baltic states in terms of living standards.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep proficiency in public finance and budget matters, citing specific figures (two billion euros removed from the state budget) and economic indicators (the lowest economic growth rate in the European Union). Furthermore, he possesses detailed knowledge of parliamentary procedure and standing orders, acting as the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee and challenging the session chairman's interpretation regarding the request for a recess.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is combative, critical, and ironic, especially when directed at the government. He/She employs strong emotional appeals (lost years, a painful blow to the poorest people) and historical comparisons (the worst situation since the beginning of the last century). In procedural remarks, he/she uses sarcasm, requesting a 9-second recess to symbolize the 9-cent pension increase.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician is active in the legislative process, participating in the third reading of the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act with both substantive speeches and procedural questions. His role as Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee allows him to submit official procedural requests and challenge the conduct of the session. Information regarding activities outside the parliamentary chamber is unavailable.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and government leaders Kaja Kallas and Kristen Michal, whose policies are being called the deliberate creation of a province. The criticism is intense and policy-based, accusing the coalition of causing economic recession and uncertainty, and squandering budget funds. There is no sign of a willingness to compromise; rather, they are promising to abolish the car tax in the future.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation in this context is predominantly confrontational and procedurally obstructive, focusing on criticizing the government's actions and challenging parliamentary procedure. He/She refers to colleagues (e.g., "dear colleague Õnne") when addressing the topic of subsidies, but there is no information regarding cross-party cooperation or the seeking of compromises.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national and international level, highlighting Estonia's economic lag compared to Latvia and Lithuania, and its position in the European Union's economic growth rankings. Specific local or regional issues are not addressed in the speeches, apart from references to roads that remain unbuilt, discussed within a national context.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The politician is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, especially during an economic crisis, arguing that they stifle economic growth and exacerbate uncertainty. He criticizes the government's expenditures (two billion "siphoned off") and stresses the necessity of directing funds toward infrastructure (roads), teachers' wages, pensions, and defense spending. His views advocate for a fiscal policy that stimulates economic growth while protecting the less affluent segments of society.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker highlights social inequality, stressing that tax hikes hit the poorest people—including pensioners and people with disabilities—the hardest. He employs irony, contrasting tiny increases in social benefits (9 cents) with massive tax burdens (several thousand euros in registration fees) to underscore the injustice of the government’s social policy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
His main legislative focus is opposing the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act, which he predicts will ultimately be struck down. He is an active opponent, utilizing both substantive arguments and parliamentary procedural means (such as requesting an adjournment) during the bill's deliberation.
5 Speeches Analyzed