Agenda Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
First reading of the Bill amending the Income Tax Act (416 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's proposed tax policy, particularly the amendment to the Income Tax Act, which grants tax benefits to the wealthier population. The approach is both value-based and results-oriented, emphasizing the unethical nature of granting tax breaks during a crisis while simultaneously increasing ministers' salaries at the expense of pensioners. A call is being made for the government to take responsibility and resign, citing the positions held by Andrus Ansip.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise is demonstrated regarding public finance and pension funding, challenging the minister's assertions about the exclusive role of social tax in pension disbursements. Specific figures are utilized (e.g., 400 euros annually), and reference is made to the views of other politicians (Maris Lauri) concerning sources of tax revenue. Furthermore, knowledge is presented regarding the procedures and time constraints for conducting a session of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, demanding, and critical, focusing on ethical appeals and procedural questions. The speaker uses powerful rhetorical comparisons (e.g., three pensioners paying for the salary increase of one Riigikogu member) to highlight the injustice. A direct answer is consistently demanded from the minister, pointing out the evasion of a response.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during the first reading of the bill, demonstrating significant activity during the session, including posing repeated questions to the minister and challenging the procedural conduct of the sitting. This pattern of behavior also involves reading the interviews and positions of other politicians and subsequently quoting them in the debate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government, the minister, and the Reform Party, all of whom are being criticized for both their policies (tax distribution) and procedural violations. The criticism is specifically aimed at the minister's evasion of answering questions and the distortion of the session's content by the rapporteur of the Finance Committee (Jürgen Ligi). The opposition is intense and uncompromising, featuring calls for the government's resignation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, referring broadly to Estonian pensioners and members of Parliament (Riigikogu). Specific regional projects or areas are not emphasized, although there is a reference to pensioners from the "expanses of Estonia."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments are strongly opposed to regressive tax policies that favor the wealthy and exacerbate inequality during the crisis. The necessity of protecting pensioners is stressed, and the salary increases for politicians at their expense are criticized. The view is presented that other sources of tax revenue besides social security contributions are also used for pension payments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the economic security and fairness of pensioners. Pensioners are being used as a moral argument to highlight the unethical nature of the government’s tax policy, often by contrasting their contribution with the salary increases received by politicians.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the Draft Act on Amendments to the Income Tax Act (416 SE). The speaker is acting as a staunch opponent, employing both substantive economic critiques and procedural challenges regarding the conduct of the session and the content of the Finance Committee's presentation.
4 Speeches Analyzed