Session Profile: Lauri Laats

A strong opposition to the government's energy policy and its approach to the green economy. The speaker emphasizes the priority of economic viability and consumer prices, calling for pragmatic economic activity; sensible decisions for both citizens and businesses, and stressing the necessity of a new government (using the specific phrase: Estonia needs a new government, a change). Their position is strongly policy- and value-driven, focusing on increasing financial accountability and the transparency of the state's role.

A demonstration of expertise in the energy sector: utilizing ENMAK and specifying figures (2023 average electricity price of 17.9 cents, the roles and distribution of biomass, natural gas, wind, and solar; 2030–2035 forecasts), as well as focusing on consumer pricing and the return on grid investments. It also references the funding and associated issues of the school psychologists' helpline, and the evidence-based context of healthcare and education topics. The claims are substantiated with specific figures and reports.

The discourse and perspective are direct, challenging, and emotionally charged; they employ narrative-based and emblematic techniques (analogies concerning the example of the bottle, the TV by candlelight, etc.), multiple questions, and a critical tone. It balances emotion and logic but leans heavily toward a strong critical register, making compromise appear difficult.

An active participant in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, delivering multiple speeches on the same day and addressing various topics (e.g., the education helpline, energy policy). He/She refers to previous interpellations and ministerial responses, demonstrating regular and sustained involvement in public debate and a readiness to continue discussions and demand further action.

The main resistance is directed at the government’s energy policy and the execution of the green transition; central to the criticism are consumer price levels, the transparency of investments and expenditures, and the competitiveness of the Estonian economy. The recommendations focus on pragmatism and the potential for shifts in the dynamic of cooperation between the state and political parties; the criticism is strong, taking a pragmatic stand against the current methods for solving budget and cooperation problems.

Overall, it is a mix operating under the shadow of both cooperation and disagreement. It shows some cross-group collaboration regarding the funding of the school psychologists' helpline (inquiries were drafted by several members of parliament from different parties), while in energy policy, the approach is often critical and marked by the aesthetic interplay of competition. It is possible that cross-party involvement exists on certain topics, but the tone in energy debates is frequently confrontational.

This is addressed both at the state level and in a regional context: it refers to the need for the Tartu University Hospital Clinic and Russian- and Ukrainian-language assistance to improve the quality of regional social services; it mentions the Saare wind farms as specific regional infrastructure issues. The focus is on addressing both national and regional impact in energy and healthcare.

In economic policy, the focus is on economic rationality and protecting consumer prices. It is critical of widespread investment in green energy and the associated pricing mechanisms, stressing the necessity of testing utility against cost and reducing the burden on the consumer. Skepticism is expressed regarding expenditures made on large fuel and wind farms, and it is emphasized that economic models should be market-based, not reliant on an ideological framework. It calls for transparency in budgeting and investments, as well as policies aligned with the interests of business and entrepreneurship.

Champions social welfare issues: emphasizes the accessibility and quality of the school psychologists' helpline (1226), stressing that it must be free and anonymous, serving as a crucial support service for youth, parents, and educators. The need to provide assistance in Russian and Ukrainian is also highlighted. These perspectives prioritize quality of life, access to services, and the reduction of linguistic barriers.

The focus is on Parliament and ministerial accountability: emphasizing the importance of parliamentary inquiries (interpellations) and receiving ministerial responses and subsequent action plans to ensure the functioning of the school psychologists' helpline. In energy policy, the text highlights the necessity of parliamentary transparency for ENMAK discussions and development activities, as well as the potential for either supporting or opposing changes related to state budget planning. It further notes the requirement that policies must be understandable and economically sustainable, and that the state must make necessary regulatory decisions coupled with continuous oversight.