Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats

The Isamaa representative maintains a strong opposition stance, focusing on the impact of economic pricing and the public's ability to cope. He is critical of the government's tax policy, highlighting the detrimental effect of rising consumption taxes and the necessity of tax system reform; he demonstrates a firm refusal to support the coalition. He stresses that the current situation "cannot be allowed to continue" and calls for policy changes aimed at alleviating the cost of living and supporting economic growth.

The speaker cites data and examples (such as the 9.2% rise in food prices, the 6.1–6.2% increase in the general cost of living, and consumption taxes accounting for 42% of the state budget). They highlight the resulting economic repercussions and the decline in consumer purchasing power. Furthermore, they address the availability of capital, the shortage of skilled labor, and the links between tax and budget structures, utilizing both specific examples and general analysis to substantiate their position.

The speaking style is nimble and occasionally employs supplementary examples (e.g., the "latti vorst" metaphor). It is temperamental in its criticism and emotionally focused. At the same time, it combines emotional impact with facts (statistics and examples), utilizing a confrontational—yet not settling—tone against the government, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem and the need for solutions.

Took part in the Riigikogu plenary debate on September 25, 2025, and represents the Isamaa faction within the framework of the debate on a matter of significant national importance. The text reveals a recurring critical analysis of budget and tax policy, along with observations that the public desires more information and clarification regarding the expert reports. The presentation is long and substantive, referencing previous alleged violations and the continuing need for discussion.

The opposition's stance is unequivocally critical: they blame the coalition for tax increases and the rising cost of living, stressing that this damages both people's livelihoods and the economy's overall competitiveness. They emphasize that the current governance has exacerbated the problems, arguing that a fundamental change to the tax system and a reduction in consumption taxes are essential. No constructive compromises are mentioned, and the criticism is delivered in a forceful tone.

Not enough data

The focus is primarily at the Estonian national level, though reference is made to the broader regional context (the differences observed in Latvia and Lithuania) and the European level regarding price inflation. It is noted that Estonia's situation differs from Latvia's and Lithuania's, and this regional comparison is used as a context for its own critique.

The central tenet of the economic policy is that increasing consumption taxes is not the path to improving people's livelihoods, and the tax system must be reformed. They stress that consumption taxes yield the largest revenue for the state budget (42%) and disproportionately burden low and middle-income individuals. The goal is to reduce the burden of consumption-related taxes and shift attention toward economic growth and improving consumer purchasing power. Furthermore, they acknowledge the necessity of improving capital availability and mitigating the shortage of skilled labor, but they do not support the current coalition's tax policy guidelines.

At the heart of these positions lies people's ability to cope and the protection of their quality of life: price increases directly impact people's nutrition, health, and mental well-being—factors that are highlighted as essential drivers of economic development. It is stressed that for those earning low and medium wages, basic necessities (such as foodstuffs) are especially susceptible to these effects. Therefore, policy must encourage measures to alleviate these consumption pressures. The discussion does not cover broad issues related to societal groups, focusing instead on the core questions of economic effects and social security.

Legislative priorities concern the reform of the tax system, the need to reduce consumption taxes, and mitigating the cost of living. The speaker emphasizes that tax policy and the budget structure must be changed to improve people's well-being and economic competitiveness, and points to the need to clarify contradictions in expert reports regarding discussions and submissions. Specific draft laws are not mentioned, but the focus remains on tax system reform and budget review.