Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
First reading of the Draft Decision of the Riigikogu (658 OE) "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Develop a Plan for Increasing Competition in the Mobile Communications Market and Accelerating Number Portability"
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on lowering consumer prices and increasing market competition in the telecommunications and banking sectors. The stance strongly favors regulation to curb large profit margins (around 20%) and protect loyal customers from unfair pricing. The policy is framed around consumer protection and improving the public's standard of living, while criticizing the government's sluggishness and inaction.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the regulation of the telecommunications market, number portability processes, and operator profit margins. Specific statistical data is used, such as a 20% profit margin and a 30–35% price difference compared to Latvia/Lithuania. Furthermore, parallels are drawn with the need for regulation in the banking sector (home loan refinancing, return on equity).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, forceful, and populist, emphasizing the need for swift action to protect the consumer's wallet. Simplified examples are used (haggling in the market, the size of the bill) and it appeals to "the Estonian people" and their struggles to make ends meet. The tone is critical of the government, using phrases like "is faltering" and "does not move things forward.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action pattern involves initiating and submitting draft legislation to the Riigikogu, following prior discussion of the subject within the Economic Affairs Committee. Noteworthy is the monitoring of government inaction and responding to it through proprietary initiatives. The speaker also mentioned participating in information sessions where the issue of light personal transport devices was addressed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government's (Valitsus) inaction and sluggishness, claiming that it is "hobbling along" and failing to solve crucial problems (telecoms/connectivity, budget, traffic safety). Large market players are accused of charging high "convenience fees" to customers who do not constantly monitor the market price. The criticism is also aimed at political inertia and procedural delays.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic: common ground is sought with ministry representatives on the Economic Committee, and it is claimed that they are on the same page regarding the need for regulation. The speaker hopes to gain support in the Riigikogu and appeals more broadly to "the Estonian people" in the defense of common interests.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the Estonian national mobile communications and banking market. International comparisons with Latvia and Lithuania are utilized to highlight the abnormality of Estonian prices (which are 30–35% higher). A broader issue is also mentioned concerning the installation of fiber optic cable in front of uninhabited plots, but mobile communications remains the priority.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic policies are aimed at consumer protection and increasing competition through regulation, in order to drive down high prices and restrict the large profit margins (20%) of businesses. Support is being given to market reorganization to prevent the unfair pricing of loyal customers, often referred to as the "convenience tax." The objective is to achieve "more normalized competition" and profit margins (e.g., 10–12%).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on improving people's financial well-being by lowering mobile phone bills, given that "people are already struggling to make ends meet." Furthermore, concern is expressed over traffic safety issues related to light electric vehicles (e-scooters), citing tragic examples from Latvia as evidence of the government's slow response.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on the initiation of the Riigikogu Draft Resolution (658 OE), which obligates the government to accelerate number portability to a maximum of one working day and ensure more transparent pricing. The goal is to compel the government to submit proposals for legal amendments no later than November 1, 2025, and a report by February 1, 2026.
7 Speeches Analyzed