Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-03-04
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the deep and exceptional recession, as well as the government’s tax policy. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bank tax, viewing it as a fairer solution to prevent the tax burden from shifting onto lower-income individuals through car and VAT increases. The political stance is sharply critical of the government’s actions, and a concrete, alternative policy solution has been put forward. He/She is convinced that the bank tax will inevitably be introduced in Estonia sooner or later.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the economy, fiscal policy, and the profits of the banking sector, specifically citing the banks' billion-euro annual profit. They utilize concrete data (e.g., a 3% economic recession, Lithuanian tax revenues, the percentage decrease in bank dividends) to substantiate their arguments and refute the government's figures. Particular emphasis is placed on their knowledge of the Lithuanian and Italian bank tax models.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, critical, and forceful, accusing the opposing side of presenting fabricated examples and inaccurate data. Strong logical arguments and international comparisons are employed to demonstrate the falsehood of the government's claims. The speaker asks the Prime Minister to abandon the "role of advocate for the banking sector," which indicates a high degree of emotional and political intensity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu plenary sessions, posing oral questions and referencing a written question previously submitted to the Prime Minister. He/She is also a proposer of legislation, noting that these bills were personally drafted, and some of them have even been enacted into law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party, who are facing criticism over the economic recession and unfair taxes. The criticism is intense and substantive, accusing the government of presenting inaccurate data and protecting the banking sector at the expense of the public interest. There is no sign of willingness to compromise on the government's proposed tax package; instead, an alternative solution is being demanded.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker focuses primarily on criticizing the government and the debate. They acknowledge the validity of colleague Lauri Laats's question, which indicates support and similar viewpoints within the opposition. Cross-party cooperation is not evident from the speeches.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national economic situation in Estonia and an international comparison of tax policy. Particular emphasis is placed on the examples of Lithuania and Italy in the context of introducing a bank tax, highlighting Lithuania's positive improvement in foreign investor confidence after the tax was implemented.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views favor taxing profits (a bank tax) rather than raising consumption taxes (VAT) or introducing new taxes (a car tax) in order to alleviate the tax burden on lower-income groups. The attitude towards the banking sector is critical, accusing them of lacking solidarity and making a proportionally reduced contribution to the state.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the introduction of a bank tax, the draft legislation for which the speaker himself submitted while in opposition. The goal is to expedite the adoption of the bank tax so that it takes effect immediately, rather than retroactively, citing the Lithuanian model.
4 Speeches Analyzed