Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats

I support the legislative proposal for a "digital services tax" as a beneficial instrument for replenishing the Estonian state coffers; it has been stressed that this measure would help balance tax liabilities and increase the national budget. Furthermore, there is criticism directed at the government's current fiscal policy (raising income tax and VAT, state fees, etc.), which is deemed an insufficient or detrimental solution. This stance is strongly policy-driven, aiming to present an alternative tax solution for boosting state revenues. The representative emphasizes collaboration with the Finance Committee and urges colleagues to adopt the bill, highlighting its practical utility for the state.

It discusses the digital advertising ecosystem and the payment perspectives of platforms (Facebook, Google, YouTube). It points out that these platforms are based abroad, and currently, Estonia lacks an easily applicable tax mechanism that would generate revenue for the state. It explains, at a simple level, why a digital services tax would be necessary and how it might impact the state budget. It does not provide exact data or statistics but confirms that the current situation generates no revenue for the Estonian state.

Assertive and direct, it utilizes simple, everyday examples and personal anecdotes (referencing own experiences, friends, or advertisements). It combines an emotional speaking style (the impact of changing taxes on the state and people) with a rational explanation (how the platforms operate and why they must pay taxes). It employs rhetorical devices aimed at specific segments of the audience, engaging the public by addressing the esteemed chairman and prompting applause.

The examples provided include one speech (May 29, 2024) delivered in the Riigikogu. It references the Finance Committee and the opinions of Jürgen Ligi, and calls on colleagues to vote for the proposal. The speaker also notes that the debate is worth having and that coordination with the Finance Committee is crucial; he makes a continuous rhetorical appeal for the bill's adoption.

The central focus of the criticism is the government's tax policy and the existing tax burden (the increase in income tax and VAT, and the raising of state duties); this represents a direct confrontation with the current decisions made by the government and the Finance Committee. The primary goal of the address is to promote the draft bill, but the criticism is aimed at the government's tax policy. The speaker views the bill as a solution for increasing state revenues—if not through compromises, then at least by establishing an alternative tax administration culture.

He seeks to involve colleagues and institutions (such as the Finance Committee) and emphasizes the necessity of jointly discussing and grasping the bill's objectives. He employs direct appeals ("Please support this") and commends efforts toward compromise, yet simultaneously expresses criticism that some colleagues' understanding of the draft legislation is insufficient. He puts forward ideas and the value of democratic debate, and looks for broader backing from various factions.

The national and state budget level; it focuses on Estonian tax policy and the potential for implementing the digital services tax as a means of increasing state revenues. There is no reference to specific areas or regions; the emphasis is strictly on the national level.

It supports the taxation of digital services (a digital platform tax) as a financial instrument for increasing state revenue. It criticizes the government's increase of the overall tax burden (income tax, VAT), viewing it as an unfair imposition or an ineffective solution. Officially, it emphasizes that the current situation yields the state "zero euros" in revenue, and the proposed bill would solve this problem. It demonstrates a desire to increase national revenue at the state level.

There is insufficient information regarding social issues (e.g., abortion, LGBTQ+, immigration, guns, education, social issues); the address focuses primarily on tax policy and the national budget. No specific social positions were noted.

The legislator's primary focus is Bill 408 OE, which is being addressed in the Riigikogu's first reading, concerning the implementation of the digital services tax. The representative has strongly supported the bill and is demanding understanding and backing from the Finance Committee. Mention was also made of the bill's procedure (the first reading) and the necessity for colleagues to adopt and engage with the proposal, as well as developing the discussion within the Finance Committee.