Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Draft law (645 SE) for the third reading amending the Simplified Taxation Act for Entrepreneurial Income, the Income Tax Act, and declaring the Security Levy Act invalid.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The stance taken expresses strong opposition to the third reading of the draft bill. According to the MP, he does not support permanent tax hikes and argues that the plan will lead to lasting, not temporary, changes. He accuses the coalition—specifically Eesti 200 and the Reform Party—of delaying the fulfillment of promises and of undermining the concept law regarding solidarity mandated by the people. He emphasizes the protection of solidarity in the interests of vulnerable people and stresses that the increased burden placed on low and middle incomes is their primary criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The vocabulary used demonstrates theoretical and political know-how regarding tax policy issues: specific mentions include the 2024 promises concerning the temporary nature of taxes, the 2% corporate income tax, the solidarity tax, and the interpretation of the security tax. The speaker refers to the technical impacts of the draft bill (increases in income tax and VAT, and their permanence) and employs terminology associated with the restructuring of the tax system. Furthermore, they rely on previous statements and historical context to substantiate their viewpoints.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is aggressive and highly emotional, often taking an accusatory tone and directly addressing various parties. The speaker employs rhetorical questions and direct address to shift the focus of the conversation ("Were you elected to be here?"). They also interject personal catchphrases and criticism aimed at the coalition. The speech maintains a strong emotional pitch and is characterized by political confrontation, focusing less on facts and numerical data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The text covers a single provision debated during its third reading in the Riigikogu, referencing previous standpoints established in the context of late 2024. Emphasis is placed on the continuous political debate and the anticipated response from the coalition. However, details regarding temporal regularity or the concept of recurring cooperation are not addressed. This suggests the presentation of one clearly articulated position and argument at this specific moment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is clearly set against the draft legislation. They accuse the coalition and the party of making false statements, emphasizing that the plan will increase taxes and burden low- and middle-income individuals. The goal of the speech is to shut down the debate and challenge the coalition to be "stronger" than required, showing no apparent readiness for compromise or concessions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The signs pointing toward cooperation are few. The message contains direct criticism, but no direct willingness to cooperate with the coalition is expressed; instead, coalition members are called upon to be stronger, and the rhetoric and positions are strictly maintained in a confrontational tone. The desire for a joint initiative at the local level is not clearly mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No specific focus is placed on regions or local areas; the discussion centers on national tax policy and the broader national level, and regional projects or specific areas are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are centered on opposing tax increases: the hike in consumption taxes is considered burdensome and unfavorable, especially given the low and middle-income levels, which is why the criticism is so strong. He emphasizes that the omission of the corporate income tax obligation—which had been part of earlier negotiations—along with constant discussion about taxes, would have negatively impacted the economy. He highlights the necessity of solidarity and criticizes the coalition should they make these taxes permanent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The theme of social justice and solidarity is central: it is emphasized that the rise in consumption taxes directly impacts the most vulnerable and the low-to-middle income bracket. He/She links tax policy to a sense of social justice and solidarity, and stresses the protection of personal responsibility and equality for those with lower incomes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the third reading of Draft Bill 645 SE. The core of the speech addresses the bill's substance: the revocation of the corporate income tax obligation and the permanent establishment of tax increases. The speaker would present criticism and demand a rebuttal, emphasizing the scrutiny of prior decisions and the oversight of the coalition, and focusing on strengthening debates and counter-arguments in the Riigikogu (Parliament).
2 Speeches Analyzed