By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Laats

Makes significant use of data and statistics concerning taxation and budgetary matters: citing an economic impact of 780 million, the promised 2% income tax rate, 100,000 signatories on a petition, statistics on shopping centers and grocery stores, food price trends (9.2%), and the share of consumption taxes in the state budget (42%). It also emphasizes the necessity of resolving the demographic crisis and conducting a budget structure analysis.

It utilizes specific indicators and historical references (2000, 2011, 2017, 2019) concerning the estimated costs of the Rail Baltic project, citing the figures released by the National Audit Office. It presents criticism regarding the project's business plan and financing, and highlights the anticipated and extremely high maintenance costs. This forms a demonstrative knowledge base for infrastructure assessment, environmental impacts, and economic control.

Mastery of demography and social policy topics, citing the analysis prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs and specific proposals (e.g., facilitating housing for young families). A demonstration that is based on existing data and implementable solutions.

It highlights the timing (the specific date) of pension payouts and potential disruptions (referencing 2024, 11 months), alongside concerns about the reliability of the bailiff system. It presents concrete figures and case examples (30 million in RES funding, 2.1 million in tax debt, 36 million in turnover, and 8 million in profit for TS Laevad), and includes references to media coverage in the newspaper Õhtuleht. This demonstrates a fact-based and case-study approach to understanding the issues.

Demonstrates recognition of a strong evidence-based and professional approach: referring to the proposals of the Bank of Estonia and the Financial Supervision Authority, the discussion of the Law of Obligations Act, and topics concerning property valuation. It mentions the Ministry of Social Affairs’ recent analysis and the complexities of regulating early repayment, demonstrating a good understanding of financial market regulations and housing policy.

The speakers showcased their expertise regarding the technical specifics of transport regulation—covering e-scooters, weight limits, and insurance—as well as traffic safety. They mentioned collaborating with an Estonian insurance provider and analyzed the impact of technical requirements on market operators. Furthermore, the discussion covered the quality of school lunches and the problem of food waste, touching upon key issues in social policy and the standard of public services.

Demonstrates a focus on data and sources: references the Eurostat indicator (15.5%), emphasizes the necessity for in-depth data analysis, and mentions Euronews and a Facebook post as sources. Figures and references are used to verify government positions and demand clarification. The level of expert knowledge primarily involves data interpretation and source criticism, as well as highlighting the need for science-based analysis.

Demonstrates knowledge of the importance of constitutionality, legal certainty, and proportionality, as well as the quality of lawmaking. Refers to the role of the Chancellor of Justice and impact analyses, the necessity of explanatory memoranda and approvals, and uses field-specific terms such as impact assessment and ongoing analysis. Relies on the protection of fundamental rights and the principles of democracy as the basis for evaluating decisions related to regulatory convenience.

His expertise demonstrates a deep understanding of land taxation law, the setting of tax rates, and the funding mechanisms for local government revenues. Specifically referenced are the Land Board’s assessments, the taxation of cadastral units, and the potential impacts arising from the existence of various land parcels. He utilizes technical terminology such as arable land, natural grassland, tax rate, draft bill, and regional specificity. The key indicators of his expertise are detailed knowledge of the legislation and the ability to describe quantitative impacts.

He points to key issues concerning financial regulation and consumer protection: specifically mentioning the Chancellor of Justice's assessment regarding RAB's data request rights, highlighting the amount of the LHV contractual penalty, and referencing the proposals made by the Bank of Estonia and the Financial Supervision Authority to simplify refinancing.

It utilizes national and European-level data, along with recommendations from institutions (Eurostat, the Bank of Estonia, the Financial Supervision Authority, and the National Audit Office), covering themes such as healthcare accessibility, regional disparities, and tax policy. It possesses specific expertise regarding healthcare system bottlenecks, labor shortages within the health sector, and youth policy. Furthermore, it presents concrete data on youth unemployment and healthcare access, while analyzing the context set by the Ministry of Finance and the broader economic policy.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of taxation, referencing the impact of Value Added Tax (VAT), discussing the consequences of Enefit Green’s management, and mentioning the procurement organized by the Ministry of Finance for the involvement of researchers. They use specific terminology such as "tax festival," "tax hell," and "VAT," and refer to concrete events (the 1998-era procurement, specific dates) in the context of analyzing the tax impact.

Demonstrates knowledge of regional policy and economics, including unemployment and wage disparities. References statistics (for example, the wage gap between Tallinn and the counties, the number of bank branches and ATMs since 2005) and uses examples of parliamentary inquiries, emphasizing the importance of a fact-based approach. The topics also cover the availability of regional infrastructure and services, as well as the effects of agriculture within a regionalized context.

Knowledge is demonstrated regarding energy and climate (biofuels, biogas, the motor vehicle tax issue), the real estate sector and renovation programs (KredEx), social welfare and the care reform, and tax policy (excise duties, VAT, consumer costs). Numerology and references to studies are used (inflation rates, Eurostat, the Institute of Economic Research, energy policy analysis), and specific questions regarding draft legislation and interpellations are presented, which demonstrate both a theoretical and an oversight basis.