Session Profile: Andrei Korobeinik
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-02-10
Political Position
The political focus is on strong, results-oriented criticism of the Reform Party's economic policy, emphasizing the duration of Estonia's recession (the second longest globally, after Haiti). The speaker opposes the government’s approach, characterizing it as a policy driven by blind faith rather than measurable metrics. This stance is strongly oppositional, demanding the clear definition of economic policy goals and performance indicators.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a command of macroeconomics and social statistics, citing data on the duration of Estonia’s recession relative to global trends and comparing it to the impact of Russia’s war. Specific financial data is presented, such as banks earning over one billion euros in profit and the budgetary expenditure for the subsistence benefit (200 euros) totaling 50 million euros. This expertise is then used to substantiate the failure of the government's policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and ironic, employing strong metaphors such as "tax orgy" and "sacred cow" in the context of the bank tax. The speaker utilizes emotional appeals, comparing the economic damage caused by the government to a "collective Putin," while simultaneously grounding these claims with statistical data. The tone is sharp, aiming to undermine the government's credibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the plenary session, indicating active participation in the parliamentary debate and the sharp calling into question of government policy. This pattern of activity involves the direct questioning of government representatives (the Prime Minister, Kristen Michal) and the subsequent analysis of their responses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who is intensely criticized for the failure of economic policy and for tax hikes. The criticism is both policy-based and personal, accusing the government of blaming others and comparing their economic impact to that of Putin. No willingness to compromise is expressed; instead, they hope for a change of government in the next elections.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to colleagues (Lauri Laats, Jaak Valge) and the arguments they presented, which indicates cooperation within the opposition when putting forward shared critical positions. There is no information regarding any openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation with the ruling coalition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the Estonian economic recession) and on the policy of the City of Tallinn (free public transport). In the context of regional policy, Pärnu County is briefly mentioned as a possible destination for free public transport, in order to promote regional policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the government's fiscal policy, which is characterized by record inflation and tax hikes (dubbed a "tax orgy"). Support is voiced for social justice and redistribution, while simultaneously criticizing the protection afforded to the banking sector (the refusal to implement a bank tax) and the freezing of the minimum subsistence benefit.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is poverty and the inadequacy of social welfare. There is strong criticism directed at the subsistence benefit (200 euros) remaining at the same level for over three years despite high inflation, highlighting the decline in its real value.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker opposes the government's policies and legislative decisions, specifically highlighting the failure to implement the bank tax—a measure they refer to as a "sacred cow." The priority should be increasing social benefits (livelihood support) and putting in place the necessary steps to halt the economic downturn.
3 Speeches Analyzed