Session Profile: Lauri Laats

The representative focuses on the transparency of the care reform's funding and ensuring the capacity of local governments; emphasizing the need to receive answers from the minister and engage in constructive dialogue. He/She does not express absolute opposition to the reform, but highlights questions regarding the funding of additional obligations and the need for inherent oversight of the Riigikogu's work and public trust. He/She stresses that trust in the Riigikogu is vital and calls for solutions achieved through cooperation and clear communication.

The crucial theme revolves around care and elderly services, the financing of local municipalities, and the cost implications arising from legal requirements and financial distribution (Supreme Court, in the context of judicial rulings). It brings forward specific figures (the 2025 share of consumption taxes) and draws comparisons between regions/countries (Lithuania, Finland, Latvia). The detailed economic analysis concentrates on the effects of care expenses, the budget, and changes in taxation.

A serious, formal tone focused on core messages; utilizes both emotional examples (such as life in rural areas and the necessity of car ownership/transportation needs) and fact-based argumentation. Questions are frequently posed to the minister, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation, while striving to keep the discussion within a constructive and respectable format.

Participation and activity in the plenary session: interventions on the same day (21.10.2024) across various debates, primarily in the form of interpellations and questions directed at the minister; emphasis was placed on dialogue, seeking answers to questions, and advancing a comprehensive discussion on legal and funding issues. The role of cooperation as a driving force was also visible, demonstrated by mediated joint proposals and the actions of cooperation facilitators across multiple factions.

The style is critical regarding the governance of the government and the Riigikogu (Parliament); it emphasizes the crisis of democracy and the lack of public trust in the Riigikogu, stressing the need for decision-makers to provide both a clear plan and concrete answers. The stance is also critical concerning tax policy, raising questions and proposing alternative solutions, suggesting that current decisions are either unacceptable or are failing to perform as anticipated.

Demonstrates readiness for bipolar and multilateral cooperation; is willing to cooperate and seeks solutions through inter-factional collaboration (the joint statement mentioned between the leaders of EKRE, Isamaa, and the Centre Party). Assumes and promotes constructive dialogue and topics that should be addressed jointly (the crisis of democracy, issues to be discussed jointly).

Regionally, the focus is on the situation in rural areas and local municipalities: noting the reliance on private vehicles among residents of the countryside and the reduction of public transport services as key influencing factors; it emphasizes the importance of regional impact and the accessibility of social services, as well as regional challenges (citing examples of references made by regional ministers).

In terms of tax policy, there is skepticism regarding the increase of consumption taxes, with the emphasis being placed on the fact that such taxes can reduce overall consumption and disproportionately affect lower-income groups. The recommendations include utilizing alternative revenue sources (such as a bank tax or the taxation of digital platforms), as well as stressing the importance of investments, support for entrepreneurs, and strengthening the economic environment. The preference is for funding mechanisms that do not directly burden workers and consumers, highlighting the option of employing other tax allowances and cost reduction mechanisms.

The availability of care services and the protection of the well-being of the elderly and low-income individuals is central; this highlights concern over the impact of small pensions and care costs on local families. It compares the growth of welfare expenditures with the role of the private sector and emphasizes the need for clear communication and legal guarantees that state obligations will be met.

The core issues are the precise financing questions of the care reform, the procedures for parliamentary inquiries and the minister’s responses, the work of the Riigikogu, and addressing the democracy crisis. Emphasis is placed on the need for clarity and transparency, and achieving progress through specific plans and follow-up questions. Possible future legislative action regarding the funding of care services is mentioned, as well as the topic of the democracy crisis within a legislative context.