Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats

The speaker elevates the demographic crisis to a primary concern, framing it as a national priority; they are highly critical of the government's demographic policy and call for the creation of a pro-family, stable, and secure society. The speaker presents their political position as oppositional, committed to concrete, nationally implementable measures (free kindergartens, family benefits, regional subsidies), and emphasizes the need for a sustainable demographic framework without implementing sudden tax changes. The interpellation and the presentation of ideas submitted by the faction demonstrate a policy-driven mode of operation and a desire to present specific materials.

It highlights specific demographic indicators (an expected population decrease of over 100,000 by 2050; a birth rate of 1.37, with a target of 2.1) and refers to international examples (France, Hungary, the Nordic countries) and various family policy instruments (free kindergartens, paternity leave, home loan support, regional subsidies). It uses numbers and comparisons to demonstrate the relationship between birth rates and economic confidence.

A probing, determined, and emotionally charged tone; utilizes numerical and fact-based argumentation, while simultaneously presenting strong criticism—the actions of the PM and previous governments "erred"; combines both an accusatory and a proposal-generating style, addressing the session chair and the Prime Minister directly. The style is both direct and nourishing for thought, possessing an illustrative strength rich in narrative.

The representative is actively involved in the inquiry concerning population decline (No. 758) and references the Family Policy Action Plan 2025–2035, specifically the discussion surrounding its first stage, 2025–2027. They utilize consecutive speeches delivered on the same day, underscoring the importance of proper parliamentary division of labor and substantive debate. They attend regularly during the session and strive to present concrete solutions and highlight the necessity for comprehensive implementation.

The main emphasis is placed on criticizing the government's demographic policy. It accuses the current government and previous administrations (including the Social Democrats) of cutting child benefits and causing instability in tax policy. It stresses that current measures are insufficient to reverse the negative demographic trend, and presents alternative plans (nationwide, top-down implementation of free kindergartens, stable support for families, and regional measures). This is an intensive, policy-driven confrontation that offers concrete solutions.

The text does not point to strong cooperation or a coalition, focusing instead primarily on highlighting the opposition's perspective and alternative solutions. It emphasizes the potential for utilizing foreign experiences and the necessity of obtaining concrete solutions from the government. While coalitional or bipartisan cooperation is not directly established, there is a clear readiness to listen and consider measures that can be implemented nationwide.

Attention is focused on both the national and local levels (e.g., Tallinn); it is noted that free kindergarten places must be nationwide, not just for Tallinn, and that regional support measures are necessary. Tallinn is cited as an example of a strong local government role, but the necessity of a national program and nationwide standards is emphasized.

Implement economic policy focusing on a stable social environment and demographic investments; urgently maintains a course against the threshold where the abolition of the tax bulge creates gaps in the state budget; emphasizes that funding for family policy must be permanent and predictable, not short-term. Prefers region-based subsidies, stability of family benefits, and stability of the economic environment in order to promote birth rates.

The main focus is on family values, ensuring social security for parents, and shifting societal values. It stresses that society must value children and families and guarantee young people a sense of security, both economically and socially. It mentions the need for free kindergarten places and support for families, but insists these are concrete steps, not just rhetoric.

It emphasizes the legislative measures required to resolve the demographic crisis: a national program for family policy (2025–2035), with the first stage running from 2025–2027. These measures include guaranteeing free kindergarten places starting from the age of one and a half, ensuring the stability of family benefits, establishing regional support structures, and providing home loan assistance; it references Interpellation No. 758 and the necessity of receiving concrete solutions from the Prime Minister (PM). It demands the swift implementation of nationwide measures and the establishment of a transparent legal framework.