Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Economy
2024-09-18
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The rhetoric is strongly oppositional: the speaker uses the address to challenge the government's tax plans and stresses that the tax changes will worsen people's livelihoods and the overall economic environment. He is critical of the tax hikes—specifically the 22% VAT, rising excises, and the increase in income tax—and dismisses them as quick and simplistic solutions for the coming year. He emphasizes the need to act based on thorough economic analysis and to balance the budget through cost-cutting or other measures, rather than by raising taxes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrative economic information: refers to specific tax code numbers (VAT 22%, fuel excise, natural gas and electricity excises, alcohol and tobacco excises) and future changes; uses the analysis of an external expert (Triinu Tapver) and claims that tax increases cause inflation and a decline in purchasing power. He/She emphasizes the need for economic analysis and asks what material and data underpin the tax changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A critical and fact-based tone; it clearly highlights specific numbers and quotes to maximize impact on the listener, thereby enhancing credibility (using quotes from analysts). It employs "why" rhetoric and questions to preemptively address counter-arguments and place responsibility squarely on the government. It combines emotional resonance concerning people's livelihoods with language describing economic reality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The proceedings are taking place in the Riigikogu (Parliament) and relate to the vote on the government’s proposed tax plans. Detailed examples are being presented, and assessments from external experts are referenced. The first address focuses on current and future tax increases, while the second draws upon economic analysis and asks whether a concrete forecast is available for the years 2025–2026. Sequential criticism aimed at the same government is evident, all occurring on the same day.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Clearly oppositional: criticism directed at the government's tax policy. The main point of crisis is the tax hikes and their impact on the economy and the purchasing power of the population. The intensity is high, highlighting the desire to establish an alternative course of action (cost cuts, decisions based on analysis). A compromise is being sought with critical scrutiny, but the main focus remains on criticism and the presentation of alternatives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Evidence-based and reliant on authority: it utilizes the opinions of independent analysts and experts to support its argument, instead of emphasizing direct bureaucratic collaboration. It shows no clear signs of collaboration or compromise with the government; rather, it calls for transparency and extensive, evidence-based debate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The central theme of the economic policy of the Riigikogu and the entire state; there are no regional or regionally specific observations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The central message in economic policy is this: tax hikes do not support the economic environment. The preference is to balance the state budget by cutting expenditures and introducing other measures that, while currently vague, are claimed to be evidence-based. It is argued that taxes increase inflation and reduce consumption, which could consequently lead to a deterioration of the economic climate. The focus is on achieving national economic growth and protecting purchasing power, while somehow managing to avoid short-term tax increases.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Not enough data: specific legislative proposals or initiatives have not been clearly presented to the spokesperson; the focus is on criticizing tax policy and the lack of analysis as a condition for understanding legislative decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed