Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats

The Centre Party faction emphasizes regional cohesion, protection of consumers and tax changes; it is critical of the government's energy and tax policies and demands transparency and accountability. Its position is overwhelmingly oppositional to the government's decisions and is clearly aimed at protecting the interests of the people and the regional economy (e.g., food prices, taxes, regional revenue base). In its political work, the faction utilizes and relies on democratic control and the demanding approach expressed through interpellations and debates, avoiding hasty divisions. It often stresses the need for action that is consensual, yet fundamentally critical.

The representatives demonstrate strong expertise in economic and regional policy, covering: tax policy, housing matters, dental care financing, pension and social welfare mechanisms, discussions concerning energy and energy infrastructure, and regionalization issues (including the burden placed on counties, land tax, and island transport). They utilize specific examples, statistics, and opinion pieces (such as those addressing inflation, VAT, and energy policy audits), and they present questions and draft bills pertaining to these respective fields.

Characterized by a strong structure and an official tone, centrally focused but legally critical and fact-based. It employs a structured questioning style (inquiries, specific points, proposals), often concluding with expressions of thanks and calls for discussion and transparency. Emotions are primarily conveyed through maintaining heightened attention to the quality of the procedure and the protection of public interests.

Regular submissions: Inquiries and draft bills are frequently introduced, proposals are made to change the agenda, and answers and procedural transparency are demanded from the Presidium. Visible examples include: numerous interpellations (involving cooperation with various factions, sometimes with co-presenters), proposals to amend the agenda, and consistent attention paid to the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and procedural enforcement matters (the "bulldog issues").

An active critical stance toward government decisions and the activities of ministers. A large portion of the rhetoric is focused on issues concerning tax and energy policy, regional development, the disparity in local government revenues, and the funding of public services. They are prepared to submit motions of no confidence or issue strong critical observations whenever funding or policy runs contrary to the interests of the public.

People often act independently, but there are also indications of a willingness to cooperate among faction members or other colleagues through formal inquiries (e.g., designated signatories and co-presenters). They submit joint proposals covering various sectors and are prepared to negotiate compromises or the reallocation of priorities.

Clearly focused on regional topics: the county revenue base, the special functions of local governments, land tax, transport and ferry procurements for the islands, regional policy, and the decentralization of state services across counties and peripheral areas. Emphasis was placed on the protection of both local and county interests, as well as the debate on the regional development strategy.

In matters related to taxation, the party recommends specific tax changes (such as setting the VAT on food at 5% or 9%). It emphasizes alleviating the hardship faced by family consumers and boosting free competition in housing finance (including loan market reform and amendments to the Law of Obligations Act). Furthermore, the party supports a balanced approach to energy policy, taking a critical stance toward projects involving expensive and unstable energy sources, while prioritizing consumer interests and increased competition.

The focus is on social and consumer issues: funding children's dental care, supplementary pension payments, the digital well-being of youth and the impact of social media, demographic challenges facing the population, the accessibility of healthcare services, the costs associated with the care reform, and the financial responsibility of local governments. Emphasis is placed on human well-being, equality, and consumer protection.

Key current bills and parliamentary inquiries include: draft legislation concerning tax policy, housing loans, and infrastructure reforms; issues related to the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture; funding for youth and education; the suspension of e-voting until necessary improvements are implemented; and bills pertaining to cultural matters and social services. It has demonstrated both mechanisms of initiative and control, specifically through: parliamentary inquiries, setting priorities, proposals to amend the agenda, and cooperation with parliamentary factions on various topics.