Session Profile: Lauri Laats

Speaking from an opposition standpoint, the speaker is critical of the government’s budget, arguing that it endangers the middle class and those living in poverty. He emphasizes that the tax implications of the budget are due to its burdening of the middle class and asserts that the coalition is continuing the policies of the Reform Party, effectively punishing the populace. He calls for a progressive tax system (graduated income tax) and a bank tax, and opposes increases in consumption taxes. He stresses that mothers and families risk losing legal and social guarantees if the state continues on its current path. He sees a strong need for debates, alternative solutions, and ensuring proper party oversight.

The text demonstrates a strong grasp of tax policy and budgeting, utilizing specific examples and data (e.g., 350,000 people in poverty, a 76.4% increase in fines, electricity excise tax +53%, land tax +38%, gambling tax +1%, a potential social tax increase of 3% and 140 million). It references historical context (the 2009 tax policy and the issue of the continued validity of temporary taxes) and employs figures and comparisons to substantiate its positions. It exhibits a consistently analytical approach when evaluating the impact of taxes and social costs.

The speech is combative by nature and emotionally charged, often featuring sharp criticism and using vivid, personal expressions (e.g., “punishes people,” “you deceive voters”). It utilizes rhetorical techniques, draws comparisons between temporary taxation and historical contexts, and maintains a strong accusatory tone; yet, it is underpinned by numerical evidence and historical references. Additionally, the style is somewhat narrative, and the greeting extended to the respected Chairman may serve as a demonstrative opening gambit for the budget debate.

Active participation in the plenary sessions of the full assembly, focusing on the budget debate. In the address, they promise to continue the debate for several months and for Green leaders to participate, stating, "we are processing this budget," thereby hinting at a substantive discussion and potential amendments. This represents a single speech delivered (2024-09-26) and demonstrates a plan to participate in the ongoing discussion throughout the entire procedure.

The primary opponents are the Reform Party, which heads the coalition list, and their cooperation partners (Eesti 200). They face criticism over their political decisions and tax policies. He/She consistently accuses the coalition of adhering to the Reform Party's policies and claims the government is punishing the populace. The criticism is sharp, often delivered with a serious and declarative tone. He/She also points out that the opposition refuses to treat the ruling decisions as infallible and is actively seeking alternatives, such as a bank tax and a progressive income tax.

Although the main tone is critical, a certain willingness to cooperate is noted: the interplay of the polemical positions held by the Social Democrats and the coalition is mentioned (e.g., the bank tax, economic issues). The speech refers to the need for “debates” and jointly discussing certain political directions, but emphasizes that the coalition adheres to the policies of the Reform Party, and cooperation is limited regarding specific alternative solutions. It demonstrates a certain openness to an approach that is intertwined but primarily directed toward the opposition.

The focus is at the national level, addressing national tax and social policy issues. There is no defined regional concentration, and references to specific counties or regional projects are absent. The main emphasis lies on budgetary and tax policy decisions occurring at the national level.

His economic views are fiscally cautious and pro-redistributive: he supports a progressive income tax and a bank tax, and opposes any sharp rise in consumption taxes. He emphasizes that raising taxes primarily impacts those in poverty and low-income earners, which signals a deepening of social inequality. He also discusses the potential increase in social tax and the temporary status of the security tax, expressing concern over the permanence of tax changes and their effect on economic growth. Furthermore, he points out budget deficiencies that could place a burden on both individuals and the business environment.

The focus is on social issues: concern over poverty and the protection of the middle class (with 350,000 people potentially falling into poverty), safeguarding social security guarantees for mothers and families starting in 2026 (specifically addressing the loss of health insurance for stay-at-home mothers), and overall social justice. He/She stresses the necessity of maintaining the viability of families and the state's commitment to care, policies concerning the status of "family homes," and opposes increasing consumption taxes, which could exacerbate inequality. He/She employs strong social narratives arguing that the state must ensure citizens' livelihoods and rights.

The main priorities presented to Parliament are the development of the budget and tax policy. They stress the issues surrounding alternative tax solutions (bank tax, progressive income tax) and the temporary nature of the security tax; they emphasize the necessity of processing the budget and implementing substantive changes during a process that spans months. They are not proposing a specific new law but point to topics that the Riigikogu could discuss (legal and social guarantees, tax amendments).