Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
The Chancellor of Justice's proposal to align the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Road Traffic Act with the Basic Law.
2025-04-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker expresses strong opposition to the current car tax, deeming it "totally unfair" and unconstitutional, particularly concerning people with disabilities and large families. This political stance is value-based, emphasizing social protection and highlighting the absence of adequate regional policy. As a representative of the Centre Party, the speaker promises to abolish the car tax in its current form should they come to power.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedures, being a member of the Finance Committee and aware of the role of constitutional review. He/She is familiar with the details of the car tax, such as the taxation of non-existent vehicles and the impact of the registration fee on the sale of old cars. Furthermore, he/she shows awareness of the effects of regional policy, citing the situation in Pärnu County and the shortcomings of public transport as examples.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is critical and combative, especially when addressing the coalition, using strong language like "deceiving the people" and "betraying the voter" to describe the lack of transparency in the legislative process. He balances logical arguments (referencing Article 28 of the Constitution) with emotional appeals aimed at protecting vulnerable social groups. The speech is formal, yet it contains sharp accusations regarding the divergence between political communication and its actual impact.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in lawmaking, participating in the work of the Finance Committee and handling the proposal put forward by the Chancellor of Justice. He/She detailed previous actions taken to combat the car tax, including submitting relevant proposals to the Finance Committee, appealing to the Chancellor of Justice and the President, and assisting citizens in filing appeals with the administrative court. The speaker requested additional time during the session, indicating a desire to address the topic comprehensively.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government coalition, especially the Reform Party and the Social Democrats. The criticism is both political (the tax is unfair) and procedural (the coalition refused to allow the Centre Party's proposals to be voted upon). The speaker accuses the coalition of deceiving voters, arguing that the car tax was communicated as an environmental tax, even though its actual impact is negative.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation within the Centre Party in the fight against the car tax, but notes a lack of collaboration with the coalition. He points out that the coalition not only failed to support their proposals but also dismissed them as insincere and refused to allow them to be put to a vote. Therefore, the speaker remains open to cooperation within his own party, but is facing strong opposition from the ruling coalition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker places heavy emphasis on the absence of a regional policy and its detrimental effect on rural areas. He highlights Pärnu County, Estonia's largest county, as an example where residents face limited mobility, and the proposed car tax is forcing them to relocate to cities. This regional focus is tied to the concern that members of the Riigikogu (Parliament) are increasingly drawn from major cities, which diminishes the overall understanding of regional policy within the chamber.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is opposed to the tax increase targeting car owners, particularly those who drive older vehicles. He criticizes the magnitude of the registration fee, noting that it could potentially exceed the car's actual value, thereby obstructing the sale of older vehicles and negatively impacting people who are economically disadvantaged. His stance is rooted in principles of social justice and alleviating the tax burden on vulnerable groups.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most important social issue is the protection of large families and people with disabilities, referencing Article 28 of the Constitution, which guarantees them special state protection. The speaker argues that the car tax forces these groups to give up their vehicles, which constitutes a violation of their social protection. He/She emphasizes the need for social justice in tax policy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is amending the Motor Vehicle Tax Act to bring it into compliance with the Constitution, particularly concerning the taxation of non-existent vehicles and exemptions for vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, large families). The speaker is an active opponent of the current law and supports the proposal put forth by the Chancellor of Justice, emphasizing the necessity for transparent and clear lawmaking.
5 Speeches Analyzed