Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-29
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the proposed car tax bill, which is being treated as yet another administrative failure that will worsen Estonia's economic situation. This stance is heavily outcome-based, stressing that the tax changes will increase social inequality and hit the poorest citizens the hardest. The speaker emphasizes that the economy cannot grow when funds are being extracted from the most financially vulnerable members of society.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of social benefits, citing exact figures (e.g., 49 euros and 11–13 cents) and stressing how minimal the increase in benefits is (in cents) compared to the magnitude of the car tax (in thousands of euros). Furthermore, knowledge regarding the requirements for legal enactment deadlines and potential legal infringements is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, employing strong negative phrasing when describing the coalition's activities (e.g., "a highly hypocritical approach," "a very clear violation of the law"). Both logical arguments (data on the economic recession, comparison of the magnitude of subsidies and taxes) and emotional appeals (the situation of disabled people and rural residents) are utilized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly engaged during the extraordinary session, delivering an extended speech against the draft bill and posing repeated questions to the rapporteur regarding the stance of the association of local authorities. Mention was made of participation in the committee meeting and the appeal to the Supreme Court by the Centre Faction.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed against the Reform Party and the coalition, who are being blamed for causing the economic crisis and for management failures. The criticism is intense, pointing both to the substantive unfairness of the law and to potential procedural violations (a shorter implementation deadline). The speaker also references the earlier need for intervention by the President and the Chancellor of Justice.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is evident within the opposition, referencing other colleagues (Koka, Martin Helme) and the Center Faction's joint appeal to the court. They are fully opposed to the coalition but emphasize external sources of opposition, such as the Association of Cities and Municipalities and the Supreme Court, to support their position.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at residents of rural areas, for whom a car is a necessity, not a luxury. Pärnu County is cited as an example, where infrequent bus services force people to own a car, emphasizing that tax changes could compel people to move from the countryside to the city.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly against tax increases, arguing that they worsen the economic situation and deepen the 2.5-year-long recession. It is stressed that the Estonian economy is the only one in Europe showing a decline, which points to serious management failures. They oppose redistribution schemes that make the poor poorer by taking money from them via a car tax and returning only cents as support payments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the protection of people with disabilities and large families is at the forefront—groups that the state is constitutionally obliged to specially safeguard. The coalition is being criticized because the car tax hits these groups particularly hard, while the promised increase in benefits doesn't even cover a fraction of the damage inflicted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the car tax bill, highlighting its inherent unfairness and the potential for constitutional breach regarding the shortened implementation deadline. The speaker is taking the role of an objector, citing the Center Faction's appeal to the Supreme Court and encouraging car owners to defend their rights in court.
4 Speeches Analyzed