Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats

A written request for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Kristen Michal, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.

2025-02-12

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Political Position
The most crucial issues are energy and economic governance. He is strongly opposed to the current government, emphasizing that energy policy must prioritize consumer prices and business competitiveness, not costly allocations. He has expressed his willingness to support a vote of no confidence in the prime minister, indicating a clear goal: a political change intended to alter current policy decisions and achieve tangible results.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Presents an overview of energy management concerning ENMAK and its financing, as well as the future impacts of electricity prices; provides specific numerical comparisons (30 million annually vs. 2.6 billion over 20 years; 15 cents vs. 17 cents future price; a target of 5–8 cents for the consumer), and raises the question of how these figures affect consumers and large-scale producers.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
It employs a combative, emotional, yet simultaneously data- and narrative-driven style; it includes comparisons drawn from literature and media references, issues rallying cries, and delivers criticism directly, which generates a dense and vigorous debate; it attempts to foster a sense of distrust toward the government while simultaneously acting as a motivator for resistance and cooperation.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
It focuses on a single day (24–12.02.2025) of the Riigikogu debate concerning the motion of no confidence; it refers to media-based events ("Esimene stuudio") and the government's activities; it utilizes questions posed within the paragraph and procedural remarks regarding participation in the vote, thereby demonstrating consistent involvement in that specific, time-bound debate.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the coalition and Prime Minister Kristen Michal as the head of the government. The criticism is leveled at the policy and decision-making process (ENMAK, energy policy, balance of investments), and it is emphasized that the government has not heeded the feedback from the opposition or the observations of experts. The intensity is high; the use of a vote of no confidence is proposed as a solution.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A peculiar oppositional tone, stating bluntly that cooperation is absent or limited; the absence of coalition partners during the vote is noted, and although attempts are made to rally all supporters, a significant deficiency remains within the partnership. At least in some areas, bipartisan public displays are utilized, but opportunities for cooperation are not described in detail.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on energy and economic policy at the national level; no specific region is singled out by name, nor are local or regional projects referenced. The focus remains strictly at the state and parliamentary (Riigikogu) level.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic approach centers on reducing electricity prices for consumers and boosting the competitiveness of businesses. Criticism of the ENMAK proposals, along with cited assessments, indicates a desired price level of 5–8 cents per kilowatt-hour—a rate that would significantly improve the economic environment for consumers. This stands in direct opposition to the current energy policy, which the coalition appears to be steering toward large-scale investments and higher future prices.

10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data

10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is the filing of a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, viewed as the main legislative tool. Procedural matters concerning the execution of the vote are being discussed, and the necessity of hearing the opposition and experts is being stressed. While specific laws or draft legislation are not detailed, there is a much broader discussion within the energy policy sector regarding the ENMAK framework.

10 Speeches Analyzed