Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Second Reading of the Draft Act (692 SE) on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Sultanate of Oman for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion, and the Protocol thereto
2025-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is critical of the proposed international agreement, calling into question both the specific economic benefits and the ethical suitability of cooperating with an authoritarian state. The concerns are directed at both the value-based framework (democracy, human rights) and the results-based framework (export-import figures). The speaker emphasizes that Estonian foreign policy should take into account the level of democracy in the partner country.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of both the technical aspects of the agreement (avoidance of double taxation) and the political character of the partner country (Oman), explicitly labeling it authoritarian. This expertise is reflected in the demand for specific economic data (export/import figures) and the numbers discussed by the commission. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the human rights situation in Oman.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and interrogative, addressing the presenter directly and employing polite language ("respected chair of the session," "dear presenter"). The style balances logical demands (the presentation of economic data) with strong moral and ethical appeals, emphasizing the importance of democracy and human rights. Questions are posed with a tone of heightened skepticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records are restricted to two questions raised during the second reading of a single bill (692 SE). This suggests active involvement in the debate, specifically focusing on scrutinizing the details and ethics of significant agreements.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the agreement and its proponents, criticizing the government's political choice to conclude a deal with an authoritarian state. The criticism is policy-based and ethical, focusing on the partner country's democracy deficit and human rights violations. The lack of transparency regarding the economic benefits is also being criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information is lacking because the speaker posed critical questions to the presenter and did not indicate a willingness to cooperate or compromise. The questions posed suggest an adversarial position instead.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, centering on the bilateral agreement between Estonia and the Sultanate of Oman. Of interest are the partner country's political regime and its influence on Estonia's foreign policy choices. Regional or domestic topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is demanding a clear economic justification for international agreements, stressing the necessity of identifying the specific, tangible additional benefits associated with the export-import components. This indicates a cautious approach to trade and tax treaties, where the national gain must be quantifiable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Human rights and civil liberties are at the forefront of social issues, highlighting the restricted freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and women's rights in Oman. These values form the main moral basis for opposing the agreement, emphasizing the priority of democratic values in foreign relations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical review of the draft ratification bill (692 SE) for the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. The speaker’s role is that of an oversight official, demanding both economic justification and ethical compliance before the legislation is adopted.
2 Speeches Analyzed