Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
2024-02-19
Political Position
The political focus is on public health and reducing the number of drug deaths in Estonia, a figure that is the highest in the European Union. The speaker questions the effectiveness of the current policy and supports investigating the impact of alternative solutions, such as cannabis legalization, in order to achieve a positive shift in mortality statistics. The stance taken is moderately firm, and the policy is geared toward improving overall performance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of drug death statistics (the highest rate in the EU) and international studies, citing specific data and the example of the USA. He/She quotes studies claiming that opening a cannabis sales outlet could reduce the average number of deaths by 17%. He/She stresses the need for a science-based debate, asking the minister to share the studies and provide the evidence underpinning these claims.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, direct, and analytical, focusing on logical arguments and statistical comparisons (Estonia versus legalized countries). The speaker is inquisitorial and demands a substantive discussion, posing questions that require evidence-based answers from the minister. The tone is persistent, noting that this is the second or third attempt to submit the query.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively engaged in government oversight, submitting formal inquiries (interpellations) to the minister during the plenary session. He notes that this is a repeated attempt (the second or third) to bring the specific topic onto the agenda, which demonstrates persistence in addressing certain issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the country's current drug policy, which has resulted in high mortality rates, and the scientific basis of the minister's claims. The criticism is political and data-driven, as the speaker challenges the minister's references to the US example and asks about the underlying research regarding the increase in mental health issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is formal and substantive, expressing a desire to hold a meaningful discussion with the Minister, along with gratitude that the inquiry finally took place. The speaker is open to sharing information and requests that the Minister share any studies available to the Ministry.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the number of drug deaths in Estonia within the context of the European Union. International comparisons (EU, USA) are used to support political arguments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is drug policy and the potential impact of cannabis legalization on public health, with the goal of reducing the number of deaths caused by drug overdoses. The discussion focuses on harm reduction and the statistical impact.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on government oversight, conducted via a formal interpellation, regarding both the plans for improving drug death statistics and the assessment of the impact of cannabis legalization. The speaker is taking the role of the initiator, demanding concrete steps and clear positions from the Ministry.
2 Speeches Analyzed