Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-15
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the failure of the government's economic policy and the state budget deficit. The speaker demands immediate, tangible cuts and increased budget transparency, opposing the government's plan to roll over unused funds. The platform is primarily results-oriented, emphasizing that the Reform Party's policies have driven the Estonian economy into a recession now entering its third year.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state budget procedures and financial management, particularly concerning the carry-over of unused salary funds by ministries. To underscore the severity of the economic downturn, they use comparative data illustrating Estonia's global position (second place from the bottom, just above Haiti). Furthermore, they are familiar with specific cuts in the social and cultural sectors (such as family mediation and the training of child protection specialists).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, often employing sarcasm and direct rebuttals against opponents' arguments (e.g., the accusations leveled against Jürgen Ligi). The speaker relies on facts (the budget deficit, the length of the recession) while simultaneously highlighting social injustice (benefits for the wealthy at the expense of the poorer population). The tone is urgent, calling for the political will necessary to change the situation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the plenary session, participating repeatedly in the debate and addressing questions to both the minister and fellow colleagues. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on the substantive and procedural aspects of the discussion regarding the specific draft budget, including concern over the violation of established protocol during the negotiation round.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are the Reform Party and government ministers, who stand accused of causing the economic downturn and exacerbating budget opacity. The criticism is intense, specifically rejecting attempts to pin the economic problems on Putin or on previous administrations (such as Taavi Rõivas's government). The Interior Minister, in particular, is being criticized for rolling over unused salary funds.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the views of the Center Party faction and refers to the draft legislation submitted by the faction aimed at improving transparency. Cooperation with the government is absent, as there is a proposal to reject the bill, yet concern is expressed regarding the procedural rights of other opposition factions (EKRE).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on national economic issues and international comparisons (EU countries, Haiti). The regional aspect is evident in the criticism directed at the car tax, which negatively impacts people living in rural areas and their ability to transport their children to school.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are centered on strict budgetary discipline, demanding the meticulous review of every single cent and its return to the state budget if required. The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax policies that collect money from the less affluent only to distribute it to the wealthy (the abolition of the tax hump). He emphasizes that during a crisis, the state must step in to help people, not strip them of their last resources.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are connected to the impact of budget cuts on the cultural sector and social services (e.g., family mediation). The speaker stresses that government policies (such as the removal of scholarships and benefits, and the car tax) are worsening the standard of living in rural areas and could be a contributing factor to the low birth rate.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the rejection of the current budget bill and making real cuts instead. The long-term priority is improving budget transparency, specifically by referencing the draft bill introduced by the Centre Party, which mandates the itemization of expenditures exceeding half a million euros.
8 Speeches Analyzed