Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Draft resolution "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government regarding the introduction of a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector" (487 OE) – first reading
2024-10-22
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
Strong support for implementing a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector to improve the state budget's fiscal situation and mitigate the economic recession. The political framework is heavily focused on improving economic performance and reducing social inequality, specifically criticizing the taxation of low-income individuals. It is argued that the tax revenue (0.5 billion euros) would allow for the reinstatement of the single pensioner's benefit and the cessation of taxing pensions. The political stance is strongly oppositional, blaming the current government for causing the economic downturn.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of fiscal policy, banking, and macroeconomics, utilizing specific terminology such as Euribor, netting, and economic cycles. Supports its arguments with the experiences of Lithuania and the Scandinavian countries, alongside concrete financial data (e.g., bank profits reaching one billion euros). It explains the link between excessive banking profits and the Euribor level, stressing that this phenomenon is unrelated to the quality of the banks’ operational performance.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and urgent, highlighting the dire state of the Estonian economy (ranked second worst globally, right after Haiti). It employs both logical arguments (economic comparisons, the scale of tax revenue) and emotional appeals, stressing that bank profits are drawn directly from the pockets of the populace. The text levels sharp political criticism against the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, accusing them of breaking promises and engaging in political maneuvering.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Focuses on intensive participation in the first reading of the Riigikogu bill (487 OE), presenting and defending the proposal, and responding to numerous questions from colleagues. Demonstrates readiness for a long and detailed debate, even requesting additional time to continue the presentation.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism was leveled against the Reform Party and the governing coalition, accusing them of causing the economic recession and taxing the poor. The Reform Party is criticized because the only promise they actually kept was not taxing the banks. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is also criticized for the lack of facts and for making claims based purely on gut feeling.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
He is actively seeking support for the bill, addressing coalition members directly and stressing the necessity of 51 'yes' votes. He expresses hope that the Social Democrats will eventually cave and start supporting the draft legislation, though he criticizes their current conduct while in the coalition as nothing more than pure political technology. He emphasizes that this is a proposal directed at the government, leaving space for the development of solutions and for parliamentary amendments.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on Estonia's national economic situation and budget, but it relies heavily on international comparisons. Lithuania is highlighted as a successful model for implementing a bank tax, which stimulated investment and economic growth. Reference is also made to the banking practices in Sweden and Finland, as well as the scale of the aid packages provided to Ukraine.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports tax redistribution by taxing the excess profits of the banking sector—profits derived from Euribor rather than from genuine value creation. The objective is to lower the tax burden on the poorest segments of the population (pensioners, minimum wage earners) in order to channel funds toward consumption and accelerate economic growth. It warns that the current taxation system (taxing the poor) exacerbates societal fragmentation.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on addressing social problems via economic policy, stressing the necessity of reducing the number of people living in absolute and relative poverty. It calls for supporting pensioners, single mothers, and minimum wage recipients through tax breaks, since every extra euro makes a significant difference to them.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the advancement of the Riigikogu draft resolution (487 OE), which proposes that the government establish a temporary solidarity tax on the banking sector. It is emphasized that the purpose of this taxation is to compensate for the injustice currently occurring, where banks are profiting directly from people's pockets.
16 Speeches Analyzed