By Months: Lauri Laats
Total Months: 19
Fully Profiled: 19
10.2025
39 Speeches
The focus is primarily national (tax policy, budget) and international (comparative tax policy based on the example of 24 EU countries). Local references include the concerns of Tallinn residents regarding the safety of mini-mopeds on sidewalks, and questions about visiting Tallinn schools in connection with school lunch.
09.2025
160 Speeches
A strong regional focus is evident: maintaining the accessibility of post offices, bank branches, and county public transport, while considering regional infrastructure and the specific characteristics of the counties. The role of regional policy is highlighted, specifically regarding Saaremaa, Ida-Virumaa, Pärnu, and Tartu, along with the need to improve the revenue base of local governments, differentiate land tax rates, and implement regional solutions.
06.2025
83 Speeches
The focus of regions and local governments is strong. It addresses the importance of the Pärnu and Tartu airports, connections to Tallinn airport, as well as county roads and regional transport options; it emphasizes taking into account the wishes of local governments regarding the Rail Baltic route and road investments. Furthermore, it refers to challenges concerning transport in Tallinn, North Estonia, and rural areas.
05.2025
82 Speeches
Works towards strong regionalization: emphasizing the interests of the Ida-Virumaa and Narva regions (livelihood, fuel prices, employment, security of energy supply), as well as issues focused on Saaremaa and the islands (island ferry connections, unified pricing). It recognizes the role of local governments and the restoration of regional competitiveness.
04.2025
90 Speeches
National and regional assessment: focuses on the overview of Estonia, the protection of consumer interests, and the problems of rural areas; in energy specifications, it also emphasizes interconnections within the Baltic region (Latvia, Finland, Sweden) and the international context of tariff and network development.
03.2025
17 Speeches
The emphasis on regional issues is primarily in the context of political culture and a more regional economic policy. Specifically mentioned are the possible reorganization of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the status of the Rural Affairs Commission, and the future of agriculture. The national level dominates, but regional issues and recommendations concerning guidelines for job creation and development in rural areas are coming to the fore.
02.2025
67 Speeches
The focus is largely at the national level, but regional aspects are often emphasized: Tallinn and other major cities versus smaller municipalities, regional policy, income disparities among local authorities, and the availability of services. Baltic regional energy security is mentioned, as are local issues (for example, Tallinn public transport, 1) the City of Tallinn, 2) the North Tallinn rescue squad, and 3) local authorities).
01.2025
66 Speeches
Both the national and regional dimensions are mentioned: Ida-Virumaa (Ida-Viru developments, the closure of the Jõhvi courthouse) and Tallinn (Tallinn Hospital, the influence of Harju County). Reference is also made to Latvia/Lithuania and the cooperation of the Baltic states in the energy sector, but the focus is primarily at the state level, with regional nuances somewhat emphasized (Ida-Virumaa, Tallinn).
12.2024
105 Speeches
It highlights a regional concern, focusing on the widening gap in local government revenues and the inadequacy of current regional policy (referencing studies by the Foresight Centre, Ida-Virumaa, Jõhvi, etc.). It stresses the necessity of ensuring sustainable regional development and the operational continuity of services; it also underscores the influence of local communities and businesses and the need to mitigate regional disparities.
11.2024
114 Speeches
Clearly focused on regional issues: the disappearance of services in rural areas, regional inequality (Harju County vs. Southeast Estonia), and the problems of the Hiiumaa, Jõhvi, Kiviõli, and Lüganuse regions. It emphasizes the preservation of state service centers and local services in the counties, as well as funding for roads and infrastructure for local municipalities. It analyzes regional solutions and regional development strategies and examines the impact on small regions.
10.2024
72 Speeches
The focus is heavily placed on regional and rural issues: county services, government service centers, the future of regional policy, and the taxes and expenditures that impact the regional economy. Significant attention is paid to the agencies relocated from Põlva and the underlying impact of Tartu Agro. Emphasis is also placed on the viability and transportation infrastructure of rural areas, as well as community needs (rural entrepreneurship, livestock farming, and the food industry).
09.2024
45 Speeches
Demand attention to regional inequality and focus on specific regional concerns (Southeast Estonia, Narva, rural areas). Separate regional challenges are highlighted, including public transport, regional policy, and the financing of the regional plan. An analysis of the disparities in regional economy and living standards is underway, emphasizing the theme of the “two Estonias.”
07.2024
4 Speeches
The regional impact and real local-level problems are highlighted: specifically, those concerning people living in the countryside, larger families, and people with disabilities. Reference is also made to South Estonia, Pärnu County, and the island regions, along with entrepreneurs' accounts regarding the factors influencing the economy of these areas.
06.2024
45 Speeches
The focus is primarily at the national level, but direct regional references pertain to Tallinn and its local governments (such as Pirita, Nõmme), specifically regarding the funding of their taxes and services. Regional impacts on local government financing and the living environment are also discussed.
05.2024
46 Speeches
The focus is primarily at the national level, but references to regional issues emerge: the linguistic transition of education in Sillamäe, and matters concerning the renovation of apartment associations, which involve regional investments and loan conditions across the counties. Reference is also made to regional differences in the housing stock and the role of local municipalities in the context of subsistence benefits and reconstruction projects.
04.2024
18 Speeches
The emphasis of regional attention is placed on development activities and infrastructure across Estonia: the construction of football halls from Rapla to Pärnu, etc., while leaving the projects in Narva, Viimsi, Kuressaare, Paide, and Rakvere pending; this focuses on regional sports development and, consequently, on regional economic activities and the involvement of local communities.
03.2024
16 Speeches
Within the national and international framework, Estonia focuses on broader economic and social policy; specific regional or region-based topics are not emphasized.
02.2024
10 Speeches
The regions are focusing on Narva and its heating and energy issues, Läänemaa, Allika village, and several other local municipalities. The text highlights the deficiencies in regional infrastructure financing and the disparity in the living conditions of local residents compared to those in Tallinn. Attention is also paid to discussing the regional effects resulting from the coalition's decision to end the universal service.
01.2024
6 Speeches
This encompasses both the national level and specific regional concerns: it emphasizes the necessity of renovating rural areas and apartment buildings dating from the post-Soviet era, alongside considering the interests of local communities. It mentions the need to involve representatives of local authorities and communities, and addresses specific regional solutions (variability in housing and energy costs).