Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE) - first reading
2024-10-16
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the 2025 state budget draft, the proceedings for which he/she is proposing to halt on behalf of the Centre Faction. The budget is being framed as a measure that sows poverty and as the Reform Party's attempt to take money specifically from the poorest segments of society, highlighting the losses faced by pensioners and students. This position is strongly performance-based, criticizing the government's poor economic stewardship and the prolonged duration of the economic downturn.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in state budget management, tax policy, and public sector efficiency, backing up claims with specific figures and comparisons (such as the difference in public transport funding between 10 million and 18 million). He/She emphasizes the need to automate the public sector, pointing to Estonia's low ranking within the EU concerning investments in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in budget procedures and the constitutional rights related to modifying expenditure lines.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, emphasizing the severity of the economic recession (Estonia ranks second globally in terms of duration, surpassed only by Haiti). Both logical arguments (alternative revenue streams, analysis of budget figures) and emotional appeals (the loss of 15 euros per month for pensioners) are employed. The style is direct and formal, and it also includes procedural questions directed at colleagues to clarify personal accusations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the budget debate, posing substantive questions to colleagues and delivering a lengthy address on behalf of the parliamentary group. He references his attendance at Finance Committee sessions and the questioning of ministers, which demonstrates a deep understanding of the bill's specifics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the ruling coalition and the Reform Party, who are accused of taking money at the expense of the poor and poor governance. The criticism is both substantive (tax policy) and procedural (budget opacity and ministries' unwillingness to save). The confrontation is intense, as [the actor] proposes suspending the processing of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is focused on the Center Faction’s unified opposition to the budget. He refers positively to the positions of a colleague from another opposition party (Henn Põlluaas) regarding local governments, but there is no indication of a readiness to compromise with the coalition. He attempts to convince other members of the Riigikogu (including those from the coalition) not to support the budget.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national, centering on the state budget and the economic recession. A regional dimension emerges through the detailed discussion of local government funding issues and the subsidization of public transport (buses, trains, infrastructure).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports a progressive income tax and a bank tax to increase revenue, which would bring half a billion euros into the budget, standing in opposition to taxes that penalize the poor. It favors reducing the public sector (a saving of 300 million euros) and implementing automation to achieve genuine economic growth that leaves money in the pockets of the Estonian people. He/She criticizes the postponement of abolishing the tax hump.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the negative impact of budget cuts on pensioners, students, and mental health services is being highlighted. Critics are targeting government decisions that directly affect the most vulnerable groups. According to their assessment, the budget will sow poverty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the rejection of the 2025 state budget bill and the termination of its proceedings. He is acting as the initiator, proposing to make the budget more transparent by requiring a detailed breakdown of every expenditure exceeding half a million euros.
3 Speeches Analyzed