Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy, emphasizing the disappearance of predictability in the tax environment and the chaotic raising of taxes, which is termed a "tax orgy." The speaker focuses primarily on social injustice, arguing that tax hikes worsen the living standards of the most vulnerable groups (pensioners) while simultaneously funding benefits for the wealthy. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, criticizing the government’s continued unsuccessful economic course.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in taxation and state budget issues, thoroughly covering advance payments of tax, dividend tax rates (18% vs 22%), and tax incentives for the banking sector. Concrete figures and statistics are utilized, citing a 2-billion-euro budget deficit and a potential 300 million euro saving opportunity through public sector reduction. Specific emphasis is placed on the potential revenue from the banking tax (400 million euros) and the benefits resulting from the progressive tax curve.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and critical, employing sharp metaphors such as "tax orgy" and accusing the government of spreading "fake news," referencing Orwell's *1984*. The tone is one of concern and accusation, primarily emphasizing social injustice and economic deterioration. Both logical arguments (economic recession) and emotional appeals (the pensioner's 15 euros) are utilized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary session, asking several questions and delivering a lengthy speech on the budget. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on Riigikogu (Parliament) debates and the critical analysis of government decisions. Information regarding activities taking place outside the Riigikogu session is unavailable.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the coalition led by the Reform Party, which is accused of failing its economic course and implementing haphazard tax hikes. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, directly accusing the government of worsening the lives of poorer people and covering budget deficits under the guise of a "security tax." There is no readiness for compromise, as the government's actions are considered unfair and ineffective.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker positively references the solutions proposed by the Centre Party (a bank tax, reduction of the public sector), indicating a political willingness to cooperate with that opposition party. Seeking cooperation or compromise with the government is not evident, given that the government's actions are sharply criticized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, addressing the overall condition of the Estonian economy (the third year of recession, the worst in Europe) and the impact of the state budget on all Estonian people. People living in rural areas are also mentioned in the context of tax hikes. There is no specific regional or local emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform is strongly opposed to tax increases, especially when they are unsystematic and unjust, and criticizes the loss of predictability within the tax environment. It supports fiscal discipline through a €300 million reduction in the public sector and the implementation of a bank tax. It criticizes the preferential treatment given to banks (18% tax rate) compared to other companies (22% tax rate).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A politician has expressed strong opposition to the government’s budget policy, emphasizing that the tax hikes will primarily worsen the situation for the most vulnerable groups, specifically pensioners (who will lose 15 euros monthly), single pensioners living in care homes, mothers who will be left without health insurance, and the unemployed. It is stressed that the government is taking money precisely from these social groups to cover its own mistakes and finance the future "benefit for the rich" (the abolition of the tax hump). Data concerning traditional social issues is currently unavailable.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The politician's primary focus is the fierce opposition to the government's state budget and tax policy (including VAT, income tax, car tax, and security tax), which they label a "tax orgy" and unsystematic activity during an economic recession. As alternative priorities, they highlight reducing the public sector to save 300 million euros and implementing a bank tax to generate 400 million euros, while simultaneously criticizing the tax concessions granted to banks. The politician is a strong opposition voice, criticizing the government's continued economic trajectory.
4 Speeches Analyzed