Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-14
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's economic policy, particularly regarding the car tax and general tax hikes, highlighting the 3% economic decline as a historical failure. This stance is clearly results-oriented, criticizing the deteriorating quality of life that has emerged under the leadership of the Reform Party. The speaker believes the government's actions stem from incompetence rather than malice ("they meant well, but they didn't know how").
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in fiscal and economic policy, utilizing specific data points (a 3% drop in GDP, a comparison to defense expenditures, and the potential revenue from the bank tax). He references his prior experience as Chairman of the Riigikogu Finance Committee and delves into the specifics of the impacts of the special banking agreement and the universal service. He criticizes the government’s financial claims, suggesting the Prime Minister made a significant miscalculation (an error involving a zero) regarding the half-billion euros expected from the banking sector.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, combative, and anxious, combining sharp political attacks with procedural grievances. Memorable analogies are employed (e.g., the "hairy Jesus" analogy) to illustrate the government’s incompetence. The appeals are both logical (economic statistics) and emotional, emphasizing the plight of rural residents and inequality.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The member is active during plenary sessions, concentrating on debates over draft legislation and raising procedural questions with the presiding officer. A repeated course of action involves submitting written interpellations to the Prime Minister (Kaja Kallas) seeking clarification on financial statements. He/She stresses that his/her right to ask questions has been restricted during committee meetings.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government led by the Reform Party, which is criticized for economic failure and policies detrimental to rural life. The criticism is intense, focusing both on substantive errors (e.g., the car tax) and procedural violations (such as blocking the submission of questions in the committee). He resolutely rejects the government's proposals and moves to reject the draft bill.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Speaking on behalf of the Centre Faction, the orator proposes the rejection of the draft bill and stresses the unity of the opposition. He attempts to pressure the coalition's smaller partners ("väiksemad partnerid") to take a stand against the Reform Party's policies, hoping that members within the coalition will also support the motion to reject the bill. He criticizes the government for dismissing a sound opposition proposal (the universal service amendment) solely on the grounds that it originated from the opposition.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a very strong regional focus among rural residents and in rural areas, emphasizing that for them, a car is a necessity for life, not a mere convenience. The closure of rural schools and the abolition of free public transport are mentioned, and specific examples are provided (Pärnu County, Lääneranna Municipality). He/She warns that the government's policy will lead to villages emptying out, as people move from the countryside to the city.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly opposes tax hikes, which damage economic growth and exacerbate inequality, particularly at the expense of rural areas. He advocates for introducing a bank tax as a rational alternative that would generate twice the revenue for the budget compared to the car tax, allowing other planned tax increases to be scrapped. He stresses that the government's policies have resulted in the Estonian economy experiencing the largest decline in the European Union (3% of GDP).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is the growing inequality between rural and urban residents, exacerbated by the car tax and cuts to rural services (such as the closure of local schools). Furthermore, the vulnerability of the elderly is highlighted in the context of the automatic implementation of the universal service, as they may miss out on opportunities to save money. He/She criticizes the government for harming the poorest people.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on rejecting the government's financial bills, particularly the car tax bill, with a corresponding proposal being put forth on behalf of the Centre Faction. Significant emphasis is also placed on the procedural correctness of the legislative process and guaranteeing the rights of members of parliament, given that he was unable to pose questions in the Finance Committee prior to the vote. He also criticizes the delayed amendment of the universal service bill.
10 Speeches Analyzed