Session Profile: Lauri Laats
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
A robust opposition to the government, centered on the administration's incompetence, its lack of a popular mandate, and its dishonesty regarding tax increases. Political priorities are focused on improving the livelihood of residents, strongly advocating for a reduction in VAT on foodstuffs, and opposing the government's current fiscal policy. The political framework is firmly results-oriented and values-driven, while simultaneously accusing the government of having lost the public's trust.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates specific knowledge regarding competition issues in the telecommunications and banking markets, citing data on profit margins (mobile communications 20%) and price level comparisons (Latvia/Lithuania 30–35% cheaper). Is also familiar with state budget structure and deficit issues, referencing the use of loans to cover administrative costs.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and accusatory, aimed especially at the government and former coalition partners (the Social Democrats). It employs strong emotional appeals (lying, shame, treating the public like fools) and presents detailed lists (ministerial failures, tax hikes). The style is rather colloquial and direct, intended to highlight the confusion stemming from the government's incompetence.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The focus is on speaking at the Riigikogu plenary sessions, presenting the faction's bills, and participating in the budget debate. Reference is made to previous discussions in the Economic Affairs Committee, where the topic of mobile communication services was addressed with representatives from the ministry.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party-led government and the Social Democrats, who are accused of hypocrisy and of securing their mandate by lying to the public. Criticism is aimed both at political decisions (tax increases, budget deficit) and at the personal incompetence of ministers (for example, the Interior Minister’s plans and the Prime Minister’s actions). The attacks are intense, and no willingness to compromise has been expressed, with the opposition supporting the rejection of the budget.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Does not demonstrate willingness to cooperate with the governing coalition, but points to the principled support of ministry representatives for the idea of regulating the mobile communications market. Emphasizes the consistent work of his/her faction (the Centre Party) and the submission of draft legislation (e.g., lowering the VAT on foodstuffs).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national economic and social issues, such as the cost of living and service prices in Estonia. It uses neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania) as a benchmark regarding mobile communication service prices to highlight the anomalous nature of the Estonian market.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports consumer protection and market regulation aimed at reducing the high costs of services (such as mobile communications and banking), which are currently driven by limited competition and excessive profit margins. It opposes tax hikes and criticizes the government's fiscal policy, which is increasing the deficit and the national debt burden to cover administrative expenses. It advocates for lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to improve affordability for citizens.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses strongly on the population's livelihood and ensuring purchasing power, considering this to be society's primary mandate. It expresses concern regarding civil liberties, criticizing the Interior Minister's attempts to punish people for reading or watching (content) and to restrict demonstrations.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priorities include rejecting the state budget and regulating the mobile services market. The objective is to reduce the time required for mobile number porting to a maximum of one business day, thereby fostering fairer competition and lowering prices. The entity also supports the repeatedly proposed bills aimed at reducing the VAT on food products.
12 Speeches Analyzed