Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-05-08
Political Position
The political focus centers on sharp criticism of the government's economic policies, highlighting the recession in the Estonian economy and the billion-euro budget shortfall. The speaker forcefully advocates for introducing a bank solidarity tax to finance the state budget and prevent tax hikes for lower-income groups. The overall political narrative is strongly geared toward emphasizing the government's incompetence and its unjust policy decisions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in financial and tax policy, utilizing specific figures (e.g., a billion-euro deficit, a half-billion tax break) and economic terminology (Euribor, solidarity tax, offsetting). This expertise centers on analyzing bank profitability and comparing the Estonian economy with Lithuania and the Nordic countries. The speaker is able to explain why bank profits are high (Euribor) and how taxation would impact investments.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and pressing, highlighting the gravity of the economic crisis and the government's accountability. Strong moral appeals are employed against injustice (favoring the rich at the expense of the poor) alongside direct political attacks aimed at the Prime Minister's personal choices. The speaker also utilizes irony and references to former politicians (Ansip, Ratas) to bolster their arguments.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, submitting and defending draft resolutions, and repeatedly responding to queries from colleagues. This pattern of activity encompasses both the substantive defense of policy and the raising of procedural questions to the presiding officer (e.g., regarding the length and topic of Jürgen Ligi's speech).
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict is with the Reform Party and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who stands accused of economic incompetence and the politically unfair decision to prioritize protecting bank profits. The criticism is intense, alleging that the government has driven the Estonian economy into the ground and broken its promises. Other coalition partners (Eesti 200, the Social Democrats) are also facing criticism, either for outright incompetence or for pursuing a purely PR-driven strategy.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic, seeking support from the opposition (by referencing similarities with the EKRE draft bill) and stressing the need for joint decisions to rescue the economy. Hope is expressed that Eesti 200 might represent the voice of common sense within the government, although there is general skepticism regarding the coalition partners.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national economic crisis and international comparisons (Lithuania, Scandinavia) regarding tax policy and economic growth. The regional focus is limited to criticism of the car tax, which harms residents of rural areas and large families.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on social justice and state intervention during a crisis to assist the poorer population. The policy supports a bank solidarity tax as a permanent taxation scheme that would bring half a billion euros annually to the state budget. It opposes tax incentives aimed at the wealthy and the imposition of taxes on pensions, emphasizing that such choices harm the economic circulation.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed within the context of economic justice, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable groups. There is strong opposition to cutting family benefits and to taxing pensioners, large families, and children (income tax on pensions, car tax, sugar tax).
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating and advocating for the draft decision on the implementation of the banks' solidarity tax, the goal of which is to secure additional funds for the state budget. Furthermore, the speaker will present a report concerning the draft decision (403 OE) on the appointment of a representative to the Nordic Investment Bank.
17 Speeches Analyzed