Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Inquiry regarding the departure of state institutions from rural areas (no 653)
2024-11-04
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most important issues are the preservation of services in rural areas and regional development. It is strongly critical of cuts to government services and the closure of state institutions. It advocates for advancing the State Houses program, viewing its continuation and development as the primary solution for ensuring the vitality of rural areas. Alongside this, it highlights tax increases as a threatening factor for rural residents and emphasizes the need to stand for accountability and clear commitments.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Possesses knowledge of regional policy and state house projects, as well as the substitute activities of state institutions in rural areas (e.g., Lüganuse, Kiviõli, Jõhvi, Suuremõisa). Refers to historical programs (the 2017–2018 State House Program) and the impact of their suspension, pointing to examples of the localization of state services. Highlights issues related to the local retention of schools and jobs, and the importance of organizing employment services.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The nature of the speech is intensely critical and emotional, often employing examples and direct confrontation against "beating around the bush." It uses phrases like “we hope,” “we wait,” and “we try,” while simultaneously accusing the government of lacking factual information. The strong, direct tone aims to inspire listeners and keep attention focused on regional concerns.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The leading activity is the regular submission of inquiries in the Riigikogu; [the person/entity] appeared on the same day in several consecutive speeches, alongside a bilateral discussion with the minister. Parliamentary cooperation formats were mentioned (the faction submitted five questions), as well as the objective of receiving honest answers and drawing attention to the problems of rural areas. The period of debate seems to focus on activities that exert pressure on direct legislation or oversight.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism, primarily from the opposition, is directed at the coalition and the government: accusing them of failing to keep promises, the disappearance of services, and tax hikes that negatively impact people living in rural areas. The speaker stresses that the government "is talking in circles" and is not providing substantive answers to questions; the objective is strongly critical, not collaborative.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The avenues for cooperation are limited; the emphasis is on opposition oversight and obtaining responses from the government. It refers to—albeit quite limited—forms of cooperation (such as submitting questions from parliamentary groups), but fails to highlight any significant modern bipartisan interaction or proposals for reconciliation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Key regional focus area: rural areas and local residents (Põlva, Lüganuse, Kiviõli, Jõhvi, Hiiumaa, Suuremõisa). It focuses on the issues of local service accessibility and job retention, and emphasizes the need to maintain essential connecting services in the counties.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The critical nature of current tax policy and new taxes, and their effect on people living in rural areas, is noted; it highlights that both tax hikes and price increases significantly drive up the cost of living. The policy is clearly supportive of continuing the state housing program and regional investments; however, it simultaneously stresses that, to maintain balance, the reduction of services and the relocation of jobs must be avoided.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on public service availability and the preservation of educational services in rural areas (e.g., issues related to manor schools, Unemployment Insurance Fund services, and school development). It is acknowledged that the availability of services and job opportunities are socially important, and that taxes and the disappearance of services place a burden on the lives of people living in the countryside.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main activities are inquiries to the minister and parliamentary oversight: specific answers and confirmations of lists are requested (for example, regarding the representations of state institutions that are to be closed), and, if necessary, the logic behind the continuation of the regional development policy is covered. Attention is drawn to the focus of the discussion regarding the advancement of the State Houses program and the information focus.
6 Speeches Analyzed