Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on fiscal fairness and the defense of parliamentary order. It criticizes the government's economic strategy, which takes money from the poor, and advocates for taxation where the money actually resides (large corporations, the wealthy). The political framework is strongly results-oriented, highlighting the decline of the Estonian economy and the creeping introduction of new, undemocratic traditions into the Riigikogu.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy (digital tax, OECD discussions) and financial regulations (crypto market, MiCA Directive), drawing comparisons with international practice. They also possess thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and long-standing parliamentary traditions, which they utilize when questioning the presiding officer of the session. Furthermore, they are capable of comparing the administrability and economic impact of various taxes (Digital Tax vs. Sugar Tax).
21 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, yet sharp and often sarcastic, particularly when directed at the coalition and the chair of the session. He employs both logical arguments (economic data, tax administration) and emotional appeals (taking money right out of pensioners' pockets). The overall tone is one of concern and criticism, pointing to the establishment of new negative traditions and the deterioration of parliamentary democracy.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She was very active in the plenary session, asking numerous questions regarding both substantive legislative drafts (fruits and vegetables) and the Riigikogu’s rules of procedure. He/She introduced a bill (the Digital Tax) on behalf of the Centre Party faction and repeatedly called for votes, often using an ironic tone. He/She also participated in the European Parliament election campaign debate.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are the government and the Reform Party, who face criticism for economically detrimental decisions—specifically, taxing the poor while favoring high-earners—and for increasing bureaucracy. This criticism is intense, escalating from standard political disagreements to outright accusations of undermining parliamentary democracy, often citing examples like "steamrolling bills" and silencing "the opposition representative." He also criticizes the incompetence and lack of clarity shown by the co-presenters.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The representative acts on behalf of the Centre Party faction, presenting their proposals and speaking positively about their fellow faction members. They are open to supporting sound proposals (such as those regarding fruits and vegetables), but their interaction with the coalition is confrontational. As a representative of the opposition, they feel unfairly treated and ignored, which hinders cooperation.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national and international level, covering the Estonian economy, the state budget, and European Union and OECD regulations (digital tax, crypto directive). Regional focus is absent, with the exception of a reference to a debate held at Häädemeeste school.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports progressive taxation, emphasizing the need to introduce a digital tax for large corporations and take money from the wealthy, not from pensioners. He criticizes the government's economic policy, calling it detrimental to economic growth and increasing bureaucracy, citing the practice of requesting duplicate data as an example. He advocates for stimulating the economy by encouraging consumption and reducing the number of civil servants using artificial intelligence.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to economic policy, emphasizing the need to protect pensioners and poorer individuals from tax hikes. Regarding children's health (the sugar tax), he/she supports channeling the funds into extracurricular activities and school sports to achieve a tangible benefit for children's welfare.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on increasing revenue through fair taxation (the Center Party's Digital Tax bill) and reducing bureaucracy. He/She is a strong opponent of regulatory burdens that stifle economic sectors (such as additional rules for the crypto sector) and unfair tax increases (the sugar tax, and tax hikes for pensioners). He/She also supports the proposal regarding the accessibility of fruits and vegetables.
21 Speeches Analyzed