Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-06-12
Political Position
There is strong opposition to the government’s tax policy, particularly concerning the car tax and the income taxation of pensions, as these measures exacerbate the economic downturn and heighten the risk of poverty. The political approach is primarily performance-driven, highlighting the government’s failure to manage the country and demanding the resignation of the Reform Party. Furthermore, it supports initiating preparations to enable the establishment of a nuclear power plant, viewing this as having significant future potential.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in the field of finance and tax policy, serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee, and thoroughly addressing the impact of the car tax, the history of land tax, and financial regulations (Positive Credit Register, Financial Ombudsman). Uses factual data, referencing Estonia's economic decline within the European Union and the poverty risk faced by pensioners. Also exhibits knowledge regarding the participants in the international nuclear club.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly critical, combative, and ironic, especially regarding the government's actions and the violation of procedural rules ("steamrolling"). It uses strong emotional appeals, defending vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, pensioners, rural residents) and accusing the coalition of wrongly setting priorities. It employs irony when describing the "autonomy" of local governments and expresses hope for the existence of political karma.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in plenary debates, presenting both substantive speeches and procedural requests (such as calling for a recess in their capacity as Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee). Demonstrates a readiness to engage in fact-checking directly during the session, correcting inaccurate claims made by colleagues.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition, specifically the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are criticized both for the substance of their policies (tax hikes) and for violating the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The criticism is intense, accusing the government of destroying the economy and demanding the Reform Party's resignation. These procedural breaches are associated with the use of the "steamroller" tactic.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The Center Faction has submitted substantive amendments (e.g., car tax concessions), but these have been rejected by the coalition, indicating a lack of cooperation. Although the faction supports one minor bill (concerning debt bondage), it emphasizes that this does not constitute support for the government, but is merely "a small step in the right direction."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Strong emphasis on rural residents and regional policy issues, criticizing government measures that make rural life too expensive and unfavorable. Specific examples cited are the public transport situation in Pärnu County and the cancellation of free bus travel on county lines.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It opposes the implementation of new taxes (such as the car tax and income tax on pensions) during an economic downturn, arguing that such measures would only deepen the recession. It favors considering wealth taxes, which would ensure the rich pay more, thereby protecting the poor and rural populations from an increased tax burden. It criticizes the government for granting local municipalities the freedom to raise land tax rates to compensate for the state's own budget deficit.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups, highlighting the high poverty risk faced by pensioners and the constitutional right of people with disabilities to special care from the state. It criticizes the government for abolishing social benefits (such as car tax exemptions and free public transport).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Key priorities include opposing the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (facing strong opposition and a promise to challenge it in court) and opposing the amendments to the Land Tax Act (which is also opposed, with a proposal to terminate the proceedings). It supports the draft bill enabling the construction of a nuclear power plant and emphasizes the need for faster development of financial regulations (such as the Positive Credit Register and the Financial Ombudsman).
7 Speeches Analyzed