Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Draft law amending the Act on the Election of Municipal Councils (639 SE) – First Reading
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The main focus is maintaining the revenue base of local governments, primarily through the allocation of income tax receipts to local authorities. He/She is prepared to advance the draft bill to the second reading, but stresses that the current version may not be final and plans to introduce amendments. Furthermore, trust in institutions is crucial, and he/she is ready to find solutions through collaboration.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
He emphasizes the importance of the local government's revenue base and the mechanisms for collecting income tax, noting that trustworthiness and local litigation are the primary challenges of this process. The referenced studies point to issues of trust and the necessity of institutional reputation and efficiency. The terms used, such as revenue base, trust, and jurisdiction, reflect his competence in financial management and the public sector.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is inclusive and geared toward collaboration, grounded in a calm and pragmatic argument. He/She utilizes questions and references to colleagues' observations, underscoring the necessity of finding solutions and proposing amendments. The text leans toward deliberation, focusing on fact-based discussion and fostering a positive cooperative environment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Participated in the third address of the same session, focusing on the advancement of the draft legislation and the proposed amendments. [The speaker/party] demonstrates a readiness to discuss solutions and engage other parliamentary factions, emphasizing the necessity of moving the bill to its second reading. A plan for moving forward through cooperation and compromise was presented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Specific individuals or groups in opposition are not named; however, concern is expressed regarding the potential impact of the shrinking revenue base and the need to discuss the risks involved. Support for the draft legislation is conditional and is geared towards achieving better amendments through it; the stance is critical, but not personal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Intent to Cooperate: Reference is made to a similar question raised by colleague Rain and a commitment to submit amendments. This demonstrates openness to multi-party collaboration and a readiness to find solutions together. The importance of consensus and an inclusive approach is emphasized above all else.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the local government level and issues concerning the collection of the revenue base; no specific regional focus is mentioned. The general attention is on the financing of local government and the confidence in the associated institutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
On an economic level, emphasis is placed on maintaining the local revenue base and the significance of income tax revenue for local authorities. It is noted that there is a risk of the revenue base diminishing, and therefore solutions and amendments to the draft bill are deemed necessary. There is a readiness to amend the draft bill to ensure sustainable financing for local government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary objective is the first reading of Bill 639 SE and its advancement to the second reading. He/She emphasizes the necessity of moving the bill forward and introducing amendments to it, in order to boost confidence in institutions and improve local government funding.
3 Speeches Analyzed