Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
2024-05-28
Political Position
The political focus is directed towards fighting social inequality and addressing the deteriorating financial situation of the elderly. The speaker strongly opposes the government bill that reduces pensioners' purchasing power, and emphasizes that the government's economic decisions are increasing inequality in society. The stance is principled and forceful, stressing the need to restore the extraordinary pension increases previously implemented by the Centre Party government.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise concerning pension indexation mechanisms, emphasizing that the size of the pension is tied to the average wage and inflation, rather than demographics. They utilize statistics, referencing the 40% average wage target common in developed countries and the high poverty risk faced by the elderly in Estonia. Furthermore, they are well-versed in international economic measures, such as the solidarity tax imposed on Lithuanian banks.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, critical, and at times personal, accusing the opposing side (Jürgen) of avoiding answers and employing rhetorical techniques (gaslighting, manspreading). The speaker utilizes both logical arguments (connections related to indexing) and emotional appeals (pensioners losing money) to emphasize the injustice of the draft bill. He uses strong judgments, calling the bill "deeply unjust" and referencing former Prime Minister Ansip's criticism regarding the government's incompetence.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary session debate, repeatedly posing questions and delivering an extended speech regarding the draft bill. Their pattern of activity is reactive, focusing on the critical analysis of government policy within the Riigikogu chamber. They even offer the opposing side "life hacks" to help them remember to answer the questions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the government and coalition led by the Reform Party, who stand accused of making unjust economic decisions and mismanaging the country. Criticism is intense, alleging that the government is exacerbating inequality and keeping the economy mired in recession. Personal accusations are also being leveled against the government, claiming they support a bill that distributes funds to wealthier individuals, including themselves.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is lacking regarding current cooperation or willingness to compromise. The speaker emphasizes the positive results achieved during the Centre Party-led government via extraordinary pension increases, referring to this as the only way to reduce the divide.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national socio-economic issues (Estonia's economic downturn, the risk of poverty for pensioners) and international comparisons (EU, Lithuania). It is mentioned that the car tax hits hardest those living in rural areas, thereby introducing a brief regional dimension.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of social justice and income redistribution, while opposing an income tax structure that effectively takes money from the poor to fund pay raises for the wealthy. They support implementing a solidarity tax on banks and believe that allowing the wealthy to retain more capital slows down economic circulation and growth. The government's economic decisions are viewed as exacerbating inequality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is the poverty risk among the elderly and the growth of social inequality in society, which is attributed to the government's economic decisions. It is emphasized that over half of the elderly live at risk of poverty, a rate nearly three times higher than the EU average. The negative impact on large families resulting from the reduction of family benefits is also brought to the fore.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing a specific piece of legislation regarding income tax for pensioners, a measure that would significantly reduce their real purchasing power. The speaker is an active opponent, working to convince colleagues to either abstain from the vote or withdraw the bill entirely, thereby preventing a decline in the financial stability of the elderly.
4 Speeches Analyzed