Session Profile: Lauri Laats

The core position is energy security and emphasizing national independence: promoting the retention of oil shale as a stable energy buffer, stressing the need for a popular mandate and the importance of a referendum on the oil shale issue. Criticism has been raised regarding the coalition's decisions directed toward the green transition and the need to propose amendments to ENMAK (Estonian National Development Plan for the Energy Sector) taking CO2 exposure into account; the strength is political, not merely technical, and strongly regional, preferring snap elections or a broad consultation regarding mandates. The faction emphasizes that the absence of a mandate and large-scale decisions necessitate the involvement of the public or a broad-based debate.

Possesses clear knowledge of ENMAK (Estonian National Development Plan for the Energy Sector) and the investment needs of the energy sector. The text mentions the progress of ENMAK, setting goals for 2035–2040 to cease electricity production from oil shale, and the required investments amounting to 14–18 billion euros. It also specifies the range of kilowatt-hour prices (14–17 cents) and grid development involving the EstLinks. The analysis draws on extensive numerical data and influences at the European level, emphasizing security and supply chain stability. Furthermore, possibilities for energy grid development and CO2 certification are addressed.

The emphasis is placed on the decisive and emotional, yet fact-based argument; it repeatedly employs calls for public involvement and broad debate, utilizing questions and emotionally charged references (e.g., public trust, the problems of Ida-Virumaa). It often combines appealing rhetorical elements—such as references to "the people say" and "the three wise men"—which heighten the sense of showmanship and confrontation.

Attended an intensive plenary session on May 13, 2025, and put forward several penetrating and far-reaching viewpoints regarding energy policy; reiterates the necessary steps toward a broad-based discussion and a referendum; references information briefings and earlier debates, and demands the inclusion of certain deputies from the coalition; emphasizes continued engagement and the upcoming campaign momentum.

The primary adversary regarding the coalition's rapid steps toward the green transition and the government's energy policy; characterizes the government as lacking a mandate and demands snap elections or a consultation to seek the people's mandate. The criticism is strong and is directed at both the specific decisions and the overall process (broadly speaking).

The highest priority is broad-based dialogue and cooperation: it calls for consultation with coalition allies and, in order to overcome hesitation, demands the involvement of coalition deputies in pairs; simultaneously, it emphasizes the necessity of making amendments to ENMAK accompanied by a broad discussion.

The focus is very clearly on the interests of the Ida-Virumaa and Narva region. It highlights the rising heating costs and economic hardship in the area, emphasizing that preserving the oil shale sector is critical for both regional development and security.

The economic narrative focuses on prioritizing state expenditures away from the green transition (e.g., 14–18 billion in green investments versus the modernization of the oil shale sector). State support mechanisms are criticized (such as the subsidies given to Enefit Green), and emphasis is placed on protecting domestic resources, jobs, and the economy of Ida-Virumaa. Furthermore, the impact of energy prices on both production and consumers is highlighted, along with the need to reallocate priorities toward social and security matters.

The main focus is the impact of energy prices and domestic jobs on the public, especially the residents of Ida-Virumaa; reference is made to the rise in heating prices and the residents' ability to cope (or livelihood). Specific socio-political plans are lacking, but the broader social impact and standard of living are being discussed. Some references concerning housing/square footage and school meal topics are mentioned incidentally, but the central issue remains the effect of energy costs on people.

Main legislative priorities: a draft bill on organizing a referendum on the issue of electricity production from oil shale; options for amending ENMAK (synergistic improvements concerning CO2 verification and sustainability principles); and promoting broad-based discussion, including the possibility of securing passage through a popular mandate.