Session Profile: Lauri Laats

He is critical of the government's tax policy, arguing that consumption taxes and raising income tax inhibit economic growth and reduce people's quality of life. He advocates for higher taxation on bank profits, suggesting the revenue be used to fund security and social needs, citing the profits made in 2023–2024 and the impact of Euribor. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of regional policy and identifies the revenue gap faced by local municipalities as a critical issue that requires resolution. However, despite long-standing criticism of the ruling coalition, he is not ready to move toward coordinated solutions until a thorough analysis has been completed.

The applied argumentation relies primarily on economic and financial data: it highlights the impact of Euribor, comparisons of return on equity, and uses country examples (Latvia, Lithuania, Scandinavia) without obfuscation; it emphasizes references to the Development Monitoring Centre's report and demands an Excel-based comparison in the context of bank revenues; it utilizes technical terms (return on equity, capitalization) in its arguments.

A critical, functional, and data-driven tone is employed; it poses specific questions and utilizes quantitative evidence to substantiate its views; it blends form (formal speeches) with direct criticism of the coalition, occasionally adding legislative irony aimed at the fourth and fifth estates/parties.

Presence in plenary speeches is regular and substantial: [the speaker] presents long, detailed positions, refers to the work and reports of committees, and utilizes specialized sources (the Estonian Foresight Centre, European Central Bank regulation). The texts remain data- and analysis-based, and repeatedly reference previous foreign policy and economic contexts.

A leading opponent of the coalition's tax policy; criticizing the government's decisions and labeling them unpopular and detrimental to the economy. The criticism is balanced, yet sharply focused on political confrontation; emphasizing that the opposition represents the interests of the people and regional equality, and pointing to the coalition's insufficient vision.

Critical, but demanding accountability and concrete steps: calling on the minister to state what is actually going on, and asking the government to take responsibility and present a thorough analysis of the results. Cooperation is limited: he/she emphasizes accountability and discussion, but at the same time there is no visible backing or broad-based agreement, only a need for swift and concrete action.

It highlights the regional crisis and disparity, focusing on the decline in local government revenues and the problems of regional policy (the influence of Tallinn, Tartu, and major cities). It firmly advocates for securing the funding of local municipalities and guaranteeing the quality of services, and addresses the energy security of the Baltic states within a broader geographical context.

In economic policy, he is pro-market and anti-taxation. He opposes increasing consumption taxes, advocates for placing a greater burden on the banking sector (by accounting for the return on bank capital and profits), and using those funds to finance the state budget for security purposes. He values international comparisons and regional accounting, stressing that tax revenues must not impede economic growth; his focus is on data-driven, carefully considered decisions.

Central to social safety initiatives are: an analysis of the impact of youth social media usage and the risks associated with the misuse of smart devices. It emphasizes raising parental awareness and conducting comprehensive, readily available analysis to inform decision-making. It supports low-cost measures for the protection of children and youth, as well as the potential expansion of regulation through subsequent decisions and research.

The core priority is conducting an impact analysis of social media on youth and presenting an action plan to the Riigikogu (Parliament): the analysis is to be carried out in the form of a Riigikogu decision, followed by concrete measures within 12 months. Debate based on this premise will proceed through an official draft bill, and the government will be assigned the task of compiling a comprehensive overview and action plan based on the findings; sustained attention will be given to regional policy and energy cooperation issues that may require regulatory coverage.