Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
First reading of the bill (521 AE) on the declaration of the 1944 mass deportation of the Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide
2024-10-16
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
Supports the recognition of the first reading of Riigikogu Statement 521 AE as an act of genocide and stresses that this is the absolute minimum step the state can take. The position is strong and value-driven, focusing on remembrance, human rights, and treating the destruction of a people as an act that must be acknowledged, requiring unified, nationwide support.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The design displays a strong historical knowledge base: it references the 1944 deportations, during which approximately 200,000 Crimean Tatars were sent to Central Asia, and about 47% of them perished; it uses these figures to emphasize the tragic experience. Furthermore, the author highlights a personal visit to Crimea and interaction with the Crimean Tatar community, and discusses the importance of cultural re-articulation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Interprets emotionally and respectfully, combining data derived from facts with personal experience. It uses narrative (travel recollections from Crimea, meetings with the community) and strong value-based language ("for the destruction of the people") to increase tolerance and call for support for legal recognition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Participated in the Riigikogu debate concerning the first reading of the declaration and emphasized the need for cross-factional cooperation: praising Mati Raidma’s initiative and confirming support for the EKP, while urging other members of parliament to endorse the declaration. Cooperation with colleagues was also mentioned (specifically agreeing with Marko Mihkelson), linking the discussion to historical memory and the defense of their community’s future.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates willingness to cooperate: refers to Mati Raidma's initiative, emphasizes the joint cooperation of the EKP, and calls upon all members of the Riigikogu to support the declaration. It supports bipolar or broad-based cooperation, which encompasses various factions and corrects the historical topic in the name of unified national remembrance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
National and international context: focuses on the commemoration of the Crimean Tatars and the recognition of the genocide, including references to the community on the Crimean Peninsula and the historical diaspora in Central Asia. It does not focus separately on specific Estonian regional issues, but rather on national memory and the historical sense of justice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the importance of minority rights and cultural preservation: it addresses the historical suffering of the Crimean Tatar community, stressing the restoration of their culture and way of life, and their ability to stand up for themselves. It highlights respect for memory and human rights as social values.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on supporting the first reading of Declaration 521 AE and ensuring the swift passage of this draft bill by the Riigikogu. The individual highlights that this is a minimal step and must be accompanied by broad-based support, showing movement towards progress and establishing the remembrance in legal form.
1 Speeches Analyzed