Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
A strong opposition stance, focusing on sharp criticism of the government’s economic policy (especially the hike in car tax and VAT). The main alternative proposal is a bank tax, which would generate hundreds of millions of euros for the state budget. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, emphasizing the economic downturn and social justice, and accusing the government of failed policies.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High level of expertise in financial and tax policy, especially regarding the taxation of the banking sector and sources of budget coverage, citing specific profit figures. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, repeatedly referencing specific sections (e.g., § 72, § 139) when raising procedural questions. Knowledge also extends to the digital economy and the Platform Work Directive.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and indignant, especially concerning the Riigikogu's working procedures. It employs strong emotional expressions ("deeply indignant," "utter disorder") and accuses the coalition of using a "political steamroller" and violating the rights of the opposition. The emphasis is on logical and procedural argumentation, demanding explanations and references to the rules of procedure from the session chair.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
A highly active Member of Parliament who regularly submits interpellations (to the Prime Minister, ministers) and draft resolutions (bank tax, digital services tax). Their activities are dominated by procedural interventions and protests directed at the session chair, especially concerning committee work and the shaping of the agenda. They actively participate in the work of the Finance Committee and challenge its decisions.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are Kaja Kallas's government, the Reform Party, and Eesti 200, all of whom are accused of causing the economic recession and bloating the state apparatus. The criticism addresses both the political substance (the car tax, the sugar tax) and procedural issues, specifically the violation of parliamentary rules of order and the silencing of the opposition. The attacks are intense and center on political unfairness, including the practice of allowing coalition MPs to ask questions in preferential order.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is evident within the faction, specifically when submitting decisions and interpellations "on behalf of the Centre Faction." They reference collaboration with colleagues (e.g., Aivar Kokk, Aleksei Jevgrafov) and support the Chancellor of Justice's proposals for mitigating the car tax. While open to substantive cooperation, they become very rigid and protesting if they feel their rights as a member of the Riigikogu have been violated, demanding intervention from the Parliament's Board.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national economic and tax issues. International topics are also mentioned (such as the Lithuanian bank tax example and EU directives), along with national infrastructure projects whose funding has been frozen (the Haapsalu railway, Tallinn Hospital). There is no clear regional emphasis specific to the electoral district.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports progressive taxation and wealth redistribution, emphasizing that "money must be taken from where the money is" (banks). It opposes broad-based consumption taxes (VAT, car tax) and supports tax exemptions and benefits aimed at social target groups (people with disabilities, large families). It views government policy as a hindrance to economic growth and an expansionist of the state apparatus.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups, demanding car tax exemptions for disabled people and large families, and criticizing the withdrawal of benefits from pensioners. Concerns are raised regarding the increasing drug use and rising death toll among young people, and the government's sugar tax is criticized, with the alternative proposal being to increase the school lunch subsidy.
74 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities include introducing a bank tax (expected to generate €400–500 million) and repealing or easing the car tax, particularly concerning tax exemptions for disabled individuals and large families. They will also submit draft legislation for implementing a digital services levy and address procedural and organizational issues within the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), challenging decisions made by committees and the board.
74 Speeches Analyzed