Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Lowering the Value-Added Tax on Domestic Fruits and Vegetables to 5 Percent" (406 OE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker's position is to advocate for slashing the VAT on food products to 5% (groceries), coupled with sharp criticism directed at the government's current tax policy. He/She emphasizes that a high tax burden exacerbates poverty and positions himself/herself as a defender of public welfare, stressing the importance of social justice. The style is strongly oppositional and value-driven, focusing on poverty alleviation and ensuring better access to food for the populace.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker uses clearly quantifiable data and comparisons: approximately 350,000 people live in poverty, inflation has been high in recent years, and the VAT rate on groceries is 22%. He/She cites examples from the European Union and the VAT levels on food products in various countries (0%–12%) to argue for a reduction to 5%. The distribution and impact of VAT and consumption taxes, along with a comparison of different tax options, is central to his/her discussion.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is combative and emotional, employing forceful expressions, direct questions, and provocatively toned allusions (e.g., “Whose responsibility is this?”; “God help us!”; “let’s close the doors”). The text is dominated by symbolic framing and an empathetic reference to poverty, combined with facts and figures. It is formal, yet carries a strong emotional charge and emphasizes democratic values.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The addresses occurred on a single day (2024-05-29) through multiple speeches, with various speakers alternating while discussing the same topic. Substantive references include criticism of the commission's activities and a pattern of speeches delivered from the podium, demonstrating active participation and sustained attention to the discussion of the draft bill during that same session.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary objections revolve around the government's tax policy and the committee's operations; criticism is aimed specifically at the Finance Committee and the government's decision-making processes ("it wasn't discussed in the committee"; "that's not the committee's jurisdiction"). The intense criticism and rhetorical pressure are considered justified: they insist that the resulting draft bill must reach the Plenary Hall, be debated, and ultimately adopted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Other parties and factions are being called upon to join the advancement of the bill, and the proposals made are requested to be viewed as having potential, although the tone is often critical toward the coalition. Hope arises for an independently balanced discussion and cooperation for the sake of people's well-being, but at the same time, the opposition rhetoric focuses on promoting its own proposal.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
National level; there is no clear regional focus or mention of specific areas. The topic focuses on Estonia's broad national tax policy and standard of living.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically, the central idea is the convergence of the tax and consumption systems: lowering the VAT on food to 5% as a means of improving the nutritional and living standards of the poor; highlighting the impact of consumption taxes on the poor (42%), and asserting that such a distribution is JUST and socially necessary. The text criticizes the raising of VAT and excise duties, which, according to the speaker, disproportionately burdens those earning the lowest incomes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core theme is poverty reduction and improving the standard of living: the speaker stresses that approximately 350,000 people live in poverty, and the current tax policy is exacerbating it. This position strongly emphasizes social justice, arguing that economic policy must be directed toward the most vulnerable members of society.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is the first reading of draft bill 406 OE in the Riigikogu, and the subsequent advancement of the faction’s proposal (5% VAT on food). An expectation was expressed for the proposal to be discussed and to gain support from the coalition or other members of parliament. The role of the committee and the lack of discussion were addressed, suggesting an intention to influence the course of proceedings to some extent.
4 Speeches Analyzed