Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-10-16
Political Position
The speaker is a representative of the Centre Faction, who is in strong opposition to the state budget proposed by the government and the associated taxes, claiming that the budget will sow poverty and take money specifically from the poorest citizens. The political framework is heavily focused on performance and accountability, accusing the government of causing the economic recession and of ineffective state governance. He emphasizes the lack of budget transparency and demands that the budget procedure be halted.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of state budget and finance, highlighting specific numerical discrepancies (e.g., the public transport subsidy being 10 versus 18 million) and the impact of taxes (such as the 15-euro loss for pensioners). They are well-versed in the discussions held by the Finance Committee and the data presented by ministers (the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Regional Affairs), focusing heavily on details and the divergence between the actual content of the budget and the narrative being presented.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style starts off questioning and ironic, becoming sharply critical and confrontational when the speaker addresses the issue on behalf of the faction. He/She frequently employs rhetorical questions to highlight contradictions and the untrustworthiness of the ministers (for example, when a minister changes their statements). The speaker balances logical arguments (alternative tax solutions) with emotional appeals (sowing poverty, Estonia leading the world in economic decline).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is very active in the session, posing several detailed questions to the Minister of Finance and subsequently delivering a long speech on behalf of the Center Faction. He refers to regular participation in the Finance Committee meetings and interaction with the ministers. This pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on the budget debate and continuous oversight of the government's work.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Reform Party-led coalition and the Finance Minister (Jürgen), who are accused of lying and engaging in a poor-quality debate. The criticism is both policy-based (regressive taxes) and procedural (budgetary opacity, contradictory statements by ministers). The opposition is intense, manifesting in the complete refusal to support the budget bill and a proposal to terminate its proceedings.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the Centre Faction and references other opposition colleagues (such as Henn Põlluaas and Vadim Belobrovtsev), supporting their positions and establishing a united opposition front. There is no indication whatsoever of a readiness to compromise with the coalition; instead, other Riigikogu members are called upon not to support the budget. Collaboration is viewed as necessary within the opposition to guarantee the budget's rejection.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker's focus is predominantly at the national level, centering on macroeconomics and the state budget. They mention local government deficits and public transport financing, which suggests concern over the lack of sufficient funding for local services and obligations, but this is ultimately framed within the context of the national budget.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to regressive taxes (the security tax) and advocates for progressive taxation (a tiered income tax). They promote alternative revenue sources, such as a bank tax (half a billion), and demand the reduction of public sector costs (300 million) and automation. The objective is to end the economic recession and achieve growth that leaves money in the pockets of the Estonian people.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker highlights social inequality, criticizing the budget's impact on pensioners (a loss of 15 euros), students (the loss of scholarships), and cuts to mental health care. They position themselves as a defender of the poorest and most vulnerable groups, contrasting these losses with the minimal savings achieved by the ministries.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the rejection of the draft state budget and the termination of its proceedings. Furthermore, the focus is on increasing budget transparency by proposing that every expenditure exceeding half a million euros must be fully itemized. He/She is an active opponent and an initiator of procedural changes within the budget process.
8 Speeches Analyzed