Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats

The most important issues are livelihood and purchasing power, and their impact on people with low and medium incomes and those living in poverty. He is strongly critical of the government's livelihood policies, stressing the need to discuss targeted aid and payment supports instead of implementing general austerity measures. He emphasizes that the proposed solutions must not come at the expense of those whom the measures affect the most, and he rejects the widespread impact of eliminating tax 'humps' as a policy of the Centre Party. Lowering the VAT on foodstuffs and creating exceptions for the car tax are his main proposals for improving the situation.

An economic impact analysis was initiated, citing purchasing power statistics (approximately 85% of the European average in 2020–2021, now 78%), which suggests that the effect of tax increases on the standard of living is mitigated. It emphasizes legal and constitutional issues (including the Chancellor of Justice’s confirmations regarding the car tax) and the influence of the state budget balance in the discussions. Concrete examples of taxes, tax amendments, and their social consequences are used to substantiate the recommended solutions.

The tone is a blend of critical and oversight, employing a strong emotional appeal alongside arguments grounded in data. It poses direct questions to the ministry, utilizes rhetorical questions and clear counter-statements, and emphasizes legal and moral considerations. The text maintains a pressing and deliberate pace, yet preserves an official and fact-based style of discourse.

The entire substance relies on the form of an interpellation; two speeches were delivered on the same day (2025-05-12), directing attention toward the ministers and members of the Riigikogu. It makes a representative reference to public monitoring (online viewership) and is extended by a speech (addressing the listening audience and requesting additional time). It demonstrates active participation regarding the topics of subsistence services and tax policy.

As the opposition, the Centre Party is critical of the government's cost-of-living policy, focusing its criticism on the impact of taxes and prices, and ministers avoiding responsibility. The party stresses that the minister fails to answer questions, which is contrary to honest debate and effective problem-solving. The criticism is primarily aimed at the tax system, the car tax, and the decline in purchasing power.

It points to a cooperative stance, but cooperation with another party is not specifically detailed; it emphasizes that it offers solutions and alternatives (e.g., lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, exemptions for the car tax). It focuses, from an opposition standpoint, on proposals and joint discussion, but has not directly demonstrated cooperation within the coalition.

The main focus is on the national (Riigikogu/Parliament) level, but regional groups are emphasized: large families, people living in rural areas, and the protection of the purchasing power of those living in poverty and low-income individuals. It is mentioned that the car tax primarily affects these groups, and lowering food prices would help smaller families.

The core focus of economic policy is taxes and prices related to inflation and the cost of living. It recommends lowering the VAT on foodstuffs and introducing exceptions to the car tax for those who genuinely need a vehicle (rural areas, large families). The policy is critical of removing the broad tax hump (the progressive income tax curve) and emphasizes that such a move would place an additional fiscal burden of nearly 0.5 billion euros on the state budget, requiring compensation. The reduction of VAT is viewed as a tool for improving people's ability to cope financially.

The central focus is on poverty, the ability to cope, and low incomes. It is stressed that price hikes and taxes disproportionately affect those living in absolute or relative poverty. The preferred approach involves mitigating the cost of groceries and providing assistance to large families and rural residents through social benefits and exemptions. Criticism centers on how subsistence benefits are utilized and the necessity of channeling resources where the need is greatest.

The inquiry regarding welfare policy and changes to tax policy are of central importance. The lowering of VAT on foodstuffs and the creation of exceptions to the car tax are being highlighted, and the constitutionality and actual revenue yield of the car tax are under investigation. He refers to the Chancellor of Justice and seeks to establish a parliamentary foundation for future changes, emphasizing the impact on the state budget and the necessity of subsidizing those affected.