Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government's 2025 state budget and economic policy, which is widely viewed as a failure (marking the third consecutive year of recession). The speaker rejects the unsystematic multitude of tax increases (dubbed a "tax orgy") and sharply criticizes the use of these taxes to cover budget deficits rather than for their intended purposes (such as national security). Emphasis is placed on the negative impact of the government's actions on the most vulnerable social groups, which provides the position with a strong value-based framework.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the field of taxation and budgeting, utilizing specific figures (e.g., 400 million from the bank tax, 22% vs 18% income tax rates) and technical terminology (advance tax, dividend tax). Particular attention is paid to tax incentives for the banking sector, the predictability of the tax environment, and the potential for public sector reduction (300 million euros in savings). The speaker is also aware of the specific impacts of social measures (e.g., a 15 euro loss for a pensioner).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong metaphors like "tax orgy" and referencing Orwell’s "1984" to characterize the government’s actions. There is a strong appeal to emotions, emphasizing the deteriorating living standards of pensioners and vulnerable groups. The style utilizes both logical arguments (figures and tax rates) and emotional appeals, urging voters to keep the government's actions in mind.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the third reading of the state budget bill, participating in the question-and-answer round as well as delivering a longer address. Reference is also made to previous systematic efforts, where questions were posed to "every minister" regarding the reduction in the number of civil servants, indicating consistent engagement with public sector issues.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed at the Reform Party-led government and the coalition (including Annely Akkermann and Kristen Michal). The criticism is intense, focusing on the government's economic policy failures (recession, aggressive tax hikes) and unethical conduct (e.g., filling budget deficits under the guise of a security tax, and favoring banks). There is no apparent willingness to compromise; instead, the government's culpability is stressed, and voters are urged to punish the administration in the upcoming elections.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The information is lacking. The speaker refers to the Center Party's previous successful solutions, which unfortunately failed to gain support, but does not describe the current cooperation with other parties.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is predominantly on national and macroeconomic issues (the Estonian economy, the budget deficit). People living in rural areas are also mentioned as victims of tax hikes, but there is no specific regional emphasis or highlighting of local projects.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of shrinking the public sector and reducing the number of officials to achieve savings of 300 million euros. They support the implementation of a banking tax (with a potential yield of 400 million) and oppose any widespread tax hikes that would stifle the economy. Furthermore, they object to giving banks preferential treatment regarding income tax compared to other businesses, stressing the importance of fairness in the tax environment, and criticizing the abolition of the "tax hump" (maksuküür) as a handout to the wealthy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sector focuses heavily on social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups. There is strong opposition to cuts affecting pensioners (including those living in care homes), mothers (who lose health insurance), and the unemployed (who lose benefits), emphasizing that these measures will push people below the poverty line. Social damage is the main argument against tax increases.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus centers on opposing the 2025 State Budget Act draft bill (513 SE) and criticizing the associated tax hikes (Value Added Tax, income tax, car tax, security tax). The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the draft bill, stressing its negative impact and proposing alternative solutions (a bank tax, reduction of the public sector).
4 Speeches Analyzed