Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the State Fee Act and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (417 SE)
2024-06-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The representative is from the Estonian Centre Party faction and is championing the amendments to Draft Act 417 SE. He/She is firmly opposed to large increases in state fees and stresses that the increased costs for expedited services and marriage duties burden families and reduce the accessibility of services. He/She demonstrates strong support for the amendments proposed by the Centre Party and emphasizes the necessity of discussing them and making decisions based on those discussions (while disputing the committee’s decisions).
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
He demonstrates expertise on the impact of state fees, citing specific figures (e.g., €45 vs €250; €64 vs €250) and the operations of fast-track services. He employs terminology such as "amendments" and "expedited application," illustrating meticulous attention to the technical nuances of the draft legislation. His primary focus is the fiscal impact and preserving the purchasing power of families.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Rhetoric is consistently persuasive and designed to be powerfully reiterated, employing phrases such as “naturally,” “I urge,” and “very important.” It strikes a balance between emotion and fact, but strongly emphasizes its core position and the necessity of calling for a vote. The tone is concrete and goal-focused, often inviting and encouraging.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He is an active participant, having delivered several addresses throughout the day, and frequently stressed the necessity of holding the vote. He is requesting a ten-minute recess before the vote and is focused on altering the committee's decisions and ensuring his amendments are publicly considered. He will continue his active involvement, seeking to influence the decisions of his colleagues in the chamber.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is the commission, and its decisions fail to support the Center Party's proposed amendments; the criticism centers on the flawed procedure and the inadequacy of the decisions themselves. He describes the situation as requiring either changes or a vote aligned with the Center Party's wishes, noting that the commission's choices are unfortunate. He defends his faction's position, stressing that halting measures with significant tax implications is a political priority.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
He/She emphasizes collaboration with colleagues and calls on them to consider and support the proposals; he/she requests a recess before the vote and attempts to build a broad-based support group. He/She demonstrates a willingness to involve other colleagues and to seek joint discussion and impact assessment.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He stresses that the substantial increase in state fees places a burden on families and limits access to services. He calls for lower taxes or tax reductions, citing examples of fees rising from 45 to 250 euros and 64 to 250 euros. He emphasizes the commitment to protecting the economic well-being of families against widespread price hikes.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
He focuses on social justice and family well-being, stressing the need for fee-free marriage and universal access to services. He is currently asserting that social justice and the economic stability of families are crucial, and solutions tailored to the corresponding tax burden are justified.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
He focuses on the second reading of Bill 417 SE in the Riigikogu and the vote on amendments submitted by the Centre Party (e.g., No. 6, No. 7). He emphasizes the necessity of discussing and altering the committee's decisions and requests recesses before the vote. He positions himself as the proponent and defender of the amendments, whose goal is to reduce fees and improve the accessibility of services.
17 Speeches Analyzed