Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and to withdraw from all international agreements related to the project" (650 OE)
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
A pro-Rail Baltica stance, but critical regarding costs and economic feasibility. It acknowledges the need for a thorough assessment and cooperation (including the involvement of Latvia and Lithuania and the possibility of an investigative committee), but the symbolic statement, "Let's move forward!" indicates the project's continuation as a strong political endorsement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Refers to the historical project development and figures: 3.6 billion (2000s), 5.8 billion (2017), at least 25 billion (current). Mentions maintenance costs (50–100 million within Estonia; half a billion according to the State Audit Office) and the role of Latvia/Lithuania and land acquisition issues. Highlights the technical and economic context and the deficient business plan as a critical point.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Structurally combative and emotional, it utilizes critical rhetorical figures (such as "greenwashing" and "hypocrisy") and the form of questions. It repeatedly uses the phrase "paneme edasi!" ("We push forward!"), which emphasizes persistence and a fighting spirit; it combines emotional accusation and logical argumentation with the defense of self-interest.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active participant in Riigikogu sessions and public discussions, who refers back to previous debates and decisions. They seek to gather representatives from various political parties around the table. They mention a plan for cooperation with Latvia and Lithuania, noting that the idea for an investigative committee had been raised earlier, but the decision had already been voted upon.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It attacks the positions of groups exhibiting alternating green and more left-leaning influence, labeling them contradictory and two-tiered. It levels accusations of "greenwashing" and highlights the duplication of directives and ethical standards. It addresses the public rigidly and critically, focusing its attention on criticizing political opponents associated with the project, instead of proposing a concrete mitigation measure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It favors broad-based, bipartisan cooperation and engagement—seeking to bring representatives from various political parties to the table, along with the involvement of Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues. However, it simultaneously stresses the necessity of strict control and transparency in order to reach a consensus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Focus is placed on both the national and regional contexts: it emphasizes regional impacts and alternative investments (the Tallinn–Pärnu road network) for the purpose of regional development and economic growth. It also mentions cooperation among the Baltic states and the international dimension of the projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The focus is on significant cost and financial implications. It stresses the necessity of accounting for both the general and state budgets, asserting that current allocated sums are insufficient to cover maintenance expenses and that securing further funding is impractical. The entity desires a more efficient resource allocation and is expected to redirect funds towards road and regional development projects that would stimulate economic activity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes environmental issues and the inconsistencies of green politics, criticizing the hypocrisy surrounding topics like deforestation and waste management when contrasted with green rhetoric. It highlights the contradictions displayed by speakers who claim to care about the environment and stresses the need for consistency between waste management practices and stated green priorities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus of the bill is the first reading concerning the proposal to terminate the Rail Baltic project and cancel the related international agreements. It notes that a proper business plan is lacking and has called for an investigative committee and a broader round of negotiations, including the involvement of Latvia and Lithuania; it emphasizes parliamentary oversight and transparency.
3 Speeches Analyzed