Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act (661 SE)
2025-10-09
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the reduction of the VAT on foodstuffs, a measure the speaker's party strongly backs and has repeatedly put forward previously. The political stance is sharply opposed to the tax policy of the previous administration, specifically accusing them of undermining the financial well-being of the populace. The focus remains on the criticism of the government's actions and decisions (their incompetence and inability to govern), stressing the need for accountability and relying on the public's memory.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding tax policy and recent tax hikes, listing the exact percentages and changes (e.g., income tax moving from 20% to 22%, VAT increasing from 22% to 24%). A lengthy list of specific tax increases and legislative amendments is presented, including excise duties, car taxes, VAT on accommodation and the press, and changes to the procedure for paying sickness benefits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and ironic, especially when exposing the hypocrisy of opponents. Strong emotional appeals are used, emphasizing the public's memory and the consequences of the opponents' actions ("Do you really think the people are stupid, or something?"). The speech includes sharp personal attacks and sarcasm aimed at the opponents' explanations ("Golden words, indeed!").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered late in the evening in the Riigikogu session hall during the first reading of the bill, for which additional time was also requested. The speaker referenced previous, repeated discussions on the same topic (at least four times), which demonstrates consistent and long-term engagement regarding the issue of lowering the value-added tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats (Socs) and the former governing coalition (the Reform Party, Estonia 200). The criticism is intense and centers on political hypocrisy and the consequences of incompetent governance, which manifested in extensive tax hikes. Opponents are directly accused of worsening the public's ability to cope, with their actions being labeled as "inadequate" and "sheer incompetence."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although the speaker's party essentially supports the VAT reduction bill presented by the opposition, the style of cooperation is rather confrontational and accusatory. The collaboration is overshadowed by recalling the past and highlighting the opposition's previous failure to offer support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national tax policy issues and their impact on the livelihood of the population in Estonia. Specific regional or local topics are not addressed, with the exception of mentioning the abolition of free county public transport.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly concerning the broad-based consumption tax (VAT) and income tax. They support lowering the VAT on groceries to ease people's cost-of-living struggles and improve purchasing power. New taxes, such as the vehicle registration fee and the motor vehicle tax, are also drawing criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are primarily addressed through the lens of economic subsistence and social benefits, emphasizing the need to ensure people have a "decent meal on the table." Criticism was also leveled at the abolition of free county public transport and the change in the procedure for paying sickness benefits, which increased the burden on both employees and employers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft bill amending the Value Added Tax Act (661 SE), the substantive goal of which—lowering the VAT on foodstuffs—is supported by the speaker. The speaker positions their party as the originator of this issue, having previously submitted similar draft legislation to the Riigikogu on multiple occasions.
2 Speeches Analyzed