Agenda Profile: Maris Lauri
Draft law amending the simplified taxation act for entrepreneurs and the income tax act, and repealing the security tax act – second reading
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the abolition of the temporary corporate profit tax, which had been established and dubbed the security tax, viewing it as a positive step. He frames the government's actions as an ideological choice, shifting further to the right following the departure of the left-wing party. Simultaneously, he highlights the projected decrease in the tax burden relative to GDP (from 36.8% to 35.1%). This political position is firmly focused on fiscal discipline and tax reduction.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates high expertise in the legislative procedure, particularly regarding the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, referencing specific sections (e.g., § 154) to justify the rejection of proposed amendments. They are familiar with the Ministry of Finance's forecasts concerning the tax burden and present detailed overviews of feedback received from interest groups (e.g., the Chamber of Service Economy, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal, businesslike, and procedural, especially when appearing as a representative of the commission, focusing on detailed reporting. In debate, the tone shifts to defensive and logical, utilizing figures and legal provisions to respond to opponents' arguments. The speaker also permits themselves a slight personal dig directed at the opponent (Urmas Reinsalu), referencing his "long, rambling questions."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's mode of operation has centered on legislative work within the Riigikogu's main chamber, specifically by presenting the Finance Committee's reports concerning the discussion of Draft Law 645 during the sessions held on June 5 and 9. They actively serve in the role of the committee representative, repeatedly responding to inquiries and defending the committee's decisions.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Isamaa faction, whose amendment was rejected on procedural grounds because it concerned the initiation of a supplementary budget, which requires a separate draft resolution. The speaker also criticizes the general practice of "omnibus bills" as poor procedural conduct. The Social Democrats are recognized for their honesty in the ideological debate, although their positions are not agreed with.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes their role as the committee's representative, defending the consensus achieved within the committee and the technical drafting amendments. They acknowledge the inherent nature of coalition government decisions, which inevitably bear "the face of the coalition" and reflect the political balance.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for improving the business environment by lowering taxes, citing the position of the Merchants' Association. He is fiscally conservative, emphasizing the reduction in the tax burden (a projected decrease of 1.2% for the next year) and viewing the abolition of corporate income tax as a positive development.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the deliberation and finalization of Bill 645 (Repeal of the Security Levy and Amendment to the Law on Simplified Taxation of Business Income). The speaker will focus on the correctness of the legislation, ensuring that the proposed amendments are related to the bill's objective and that all technical regulatory corrections are properly executed.
14 Speeches Analyzed