Agenda Profile: Maris Lauri
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and the Act on International Sanctions (640 UA), which was not announced by the President of the Republic
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
Political attention centers on the re-discussion of the Money Laundering Prevention Act (640 UA) following the presidential veto. The representative supports the Finance Committee's consensus decision not to adopt the law in its unchanged form, emphasizing the necessity of re-debating and clarifying the draft bill. The stance is strongly procedural and legal, defending the Riigikogu’s right to make choices even on contentious issues.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise in the legal framework of financial regulation, anti-money laundering (AML), and data protection (GDPR, Law Enforcement Directive). The presenter explains a complex, unprecedented case concerning responses to AML queries and the legal basis for data processing. He/She also addresses technical details in the discussion regarding the number of data sets and the inclusion of health data (pharmacy transactions).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, procedural, and explanatory, focusing on conveying the substance of the Finance Committee's decisions and discussions. The speaker employs logical arguments, defending the natural role of disputes in the legislative process and rejecting accusations of bad faith or unconstitutionality. He/She also uses direct and somewhat sharp language to correct a colleague's false claims ("you are now talking rubbish").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity pattern is linked to Riigikogu committee work, where the individual acts as the rapporteur for the lead committee (the Finance Committee) concerning the re-debate of the legislation. He/She references participation in the committee session on September 8th and has been designated as the representative.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the President of the Republic, whose position is treated merely as one legal opinion, not the final word on unconstitutionality. He also criticizes colleagues who make inaccurate claims (for example, regarding the rummaging through health data), while defending the committee's work. He emphasizes that debates are a natural part of the legislative process, and no one should feel ashamed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is open and inclusive, emphasizing the Finance Committee's consensus decisions regarding the return of the draft bill. He/She invites all interested parties, including institutions and organizations (e.g., the Financial Supervision Authority), to participate in new discussions on the bill. He/She notes that the Ministry of Finance has proposals for amending the draft bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook focuses on the prevention of financial crime and the implementation of international sanctions. Support is provided for the execution of the core tasks of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), but the need to clarify the boundaries and legal basis for data usage is acknowledged.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on safeguarding personal data and ensuring privacy regarding the data usage practices of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The stance of the Data Protection Inspectorate is acknowledged, along with the necessity of clarifying how to process accompanying sensitive data, such as health information derived from pharmacy transactions. Emphasis is placed on striking a balance between data utilization and individual liberties.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the re-processing of the amendments to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act, which were returned by the President of the Republic. The objective is to find improved formulations and solutions that meet constitutional requirements and resolve the legal disputes surrounding data usage. As a representative of the leading committee, he/she supports the renewed debate on the draft legislation.
7 Speeches Analyzed