By Agendas: Maris Lauri

Total Agendas: 36

Fully Profiled: 36

All Categories Political Position Topic Expertise Rhetorical Style Activity Patterns Opposition Stance Collaboration Style Regional Focus Economic Views Social Issues Legislative Focus
2025-10-13
First Reading of the Draft Legislation (736 SE) on the Amendment of the State Budget Act and the Act Amending the State Budget Act

15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

Speaker 2 enters into direct confrontation, refuting the positions of previous speakers and criticizing their incompetence in handling the budget reading. Strong opposition is aimed at those who seek to violate European Union treaties, directly referencing EKRE’s stated desire for Estonia to leave the EU. The criticism is leveled both politically (EU treaties) and procedurally (incompetence).
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2025-10-09
Discussion of the Crucial National Issue 'The Future of the Estonian Economy'

15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The main criticism is directed at those responsible for dismantling the second pillar of the pension system, which is considered "very foolish" and an impediment to the creation of domestic capital. Also criticized are negative attitudes (NIMBY and BANANA) that hinder the valorization of natural resources and potential mining (e.g., rare earth metals).
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2025-09-17
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

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.

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.
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2025-09-16
The Chancellor of Justice's report on the conformity of legislative acts with the Constitution and the performance of other duties assigned to the Chancellor by law.

Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.

The primary opposition is evident in correcting a colleague regarding their misunderstanding of the Riigikogu rules of procedure, which constitutes procedural rather than personal criticism. The President's decision to return the draft bill is viewed neutrally, merely as an effort to improve the legislation.
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2025-09-11
The Financial Supervision Authority's 2024 Report

15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting

The criticism is directed at malicious financial institutions and activities, not political opponents. Specific criticism is leveled against credit unions that clearly acted maliciously with depositors' funds, as well as financial fraudsters who are referred to as "criminals from among our own fellow citizens." Earlier systemic problems are also criticized, such as the advertisements for non-bank lenders ("beep-beep and the money arrives").
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2025-06-18
Continuation of the first reading of the draft law on the sharing of credit information (652 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Insufficient data.
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2025-06-17
Draft law amending the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the International Sanctions Act (640 SE) - second reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker criticized the opposition (naming representatives from Isamaa, including Urmas Reinsalu) for procedural failures, specifically calling out their non-attendance at committee meetings. This, in his view, has led to a lack of understanding and the submission of irrelevant questions. The criticism targets the opposition's superficial engagement and their failure to pay attention to the answers provided, rather than the substance of their political stance. He regretted that, as a result, a serious discussion could not take place.
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2025-06-11
Draft law amending the simplified taxation act for entrepreneurs and the income tax act, and repealing the security tax act – second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

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.
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2025-06-10
The Chairman of the Supreme Court’s overview of court orders, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The speaker does not directly criticize the political opposition, but instead highlights a contradiction between the views of legal authorities regarding changes to the judicial system. The criticism is aimed at the procedure for handling the draft bill, which could lead to an outcome that conflicts with the constitution.
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2025-05-20
Draft law amending the Enterprise Income Tax Simplification Act, the Security Tax Act, and the Income Tax Act (645 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The main opponents are Isamaa, the Social Democrats, and the Centre Party, who face fierce criticism for their support of progressive income tax and various tax exemptions. The criticism is policy-based and intense, accusing Isamaa of supporting the "tax hump" and the Centre Party of hypocrisy regarding the livelihood of residents. These opponents are viewed as being against right-wing values.
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2025-05-20
Draft law amending the Law on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (640 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

Data is unavailable. No criticism is voiced, as the committee's decisions regarding the further processing of the draft were unanimous.
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2025-05-15
Draft law on harmonizing the State Budget Act with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (580 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The opposition is directed at Draft Bill 580 SE, which the government does not support, citing that the economic substance is already covered within the existing legal framework. The opposition was intense and concluded with a proposal from the committee majority to reject the bill (5 in favor, 1 against).
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2025-05-08
Draft Law on Declaring the Security Tax Act Invalid (595 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The ruling coalition is strongly opposed to the bill abolishing the security tax, arguing it would create a budgetary shortfall due to the lack of replacement revenue. The opposition (the bill's proponents) criticizes the tax hikes and promises to "come to the rescue" by repealing both the temporary and permanent tax increases.
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2025-03-20
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a proposal to the Government of the Republic to close the temporary control line between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation" (562 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The primary opposition is aimed at the initiators of Bill 562 OE, criticizing their decision as premature and lacking sufficient analysis. The criticism is both procedural and political, stressing the necessity of awaiting the government’s threat assessment. Furthermore, the speaker expresses disapproval of personal attacks and slander occurring within the Riigikogu chamber.
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2025-01-16
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (520 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Strong opposition to the Centre Party faction, criticizing their draft bill for its lack of substance, superficiality, and the representatives' inability to explain their choices. The criticism is aimed both at the procedural aspects (non-participation in committee work) and the quality of the bill itself. It attacks the opposing side's demagogic arguments and rules out any compromise due to the low quality of the draft.
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2024-12-17
Draft law on aligning the State Budget Act with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (525 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The main opponents are Isamaa and the Centre Party, who are being criticized for initiating draft bill 525 SE, which was submitted carelessly and purely for the purpose of "point-scoring." The criticism is both substantive (the draft bill is flawed) and procedural (they refused to merge the bills and withdrew the previous one). The opponents are also accused of demagoguery, given that the level of budget transparency has not significantly changed in recent years.
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2024-12-11
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The opposition is being sharply criticized for its irresponsibility regarding the state of the budget and for sowing lies that frighten the public and are applauded by our eastern neighbor. The opposition's worldview is especially condemned, as it is allegedly aimed at inciting hatred toward entrepreneurs and the middle class, and engaging in "handouts to their own" (or cronyism). The speaker accuses the opposition of playing the fool and avoiding substantive debate.
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2024-12-04
Second reading of the draft law on the security tax (512 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The main confrontation is with the Isamaa faction, whose proposed amendments were rejected due to substantive and procedural errors. He criticizes opponents for demagoguery, spreading fear, and deliberate disrespect (referencing Urmas Reinsalu). He also accuses previous governments (initiated by Isamaa) of "corrupting" the tax system (e.g., the tax exemption for land under one's home and progressive income tax).
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2024-11-13
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The criticism is aimed at the opposition's lack of substantive critique, focusing solely on the budget's form rather than its content. One of the oldest political parties is being sharply criticized for submitting an amendment proposal that is both against the rules and "ridiculous." This stands in contrast to the left-wing approach, which demands borrowing and distributing money without proposing any areas for cuts.
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2024-11-13
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The criticism is primarily aimed at the Centre Party and Isamaa factions, accusing them of unfamiliarity with the substance of the draft bill, hypocrisy, and an unwillingness to engage in meaningful debate. The pork-barrel spending mentality is especially sharply criticized, along with demands to pre-allocate competition-based grants in the budget, which is labeled as unlawful. Proposals that would make the budget even more opaque than it currently is are rejected.
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2024-11-06
Overview of the Use and Preservation of State Property in 2023–2024. Five Years of Activity-Based State Budget: Results of the Reform and Necessary Further Decisions

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The criticism is aimed at the opposition for failing to make a substantive contribution to the budget discussion, accusing them of superficial obfuscation and merely labeling the situation as "darker." Earlier decision-makers (including the Parliament) are also being criticized for their insufficient preparation and inattention regarding the transition to activity-based budgeting.
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2024-10-23
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The opposition is being sharply criticized for insincerity, attention-seeking, and avoiding substantive work in the committees. The criticism targets both procedural deficiencies (such as failing to ask questions) and unethical conduct, including boorish language and an authoritarian mindset. The speaker advises the opposition to actually attend the committees to work and stop chasing the attention of the cameras.
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2024-10-16
Draft Security Tax Act (512 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The stance toward the opposition is sharply critical, accusing them of "playing the fool" and chasing short-term political gains, which is "disgraceful" given the security context. The speaker dismisses the opponents' proposals—which include mass layoffs of white-collar workers, dismantling the pension system, or making investment more costly—branding them as demagoguery. The criticism targets both the political substance of the proposals and the unethical nature of the obstruction.
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2024-10-16
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Criticism is directed at colleagues who have not read the current version of the draft bill or fail to grasp its logic, indicating a lack of preparation. Regret is also expressed that instead of constructive amendment, new drafts are being introduced, which constitutes both a procedural and substantive reproach.
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2024-09-17
Report by the Chancellor of Justice on the compliance of legal instruments with the Constitution and the performance of other duties imposed on the Chancellor of Justice by law.

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

Strong criticism is directed at populists, who are accused of short-sightedness, promoting bans, and engaging in behavior that divides society. These opposing forces are also criticized for obstructing the work procedures of the Riigikogu (the Estonian Parliament) through heckling and humiliation, which makes substantive work difficult or impossible. The speaker sincerely hopes that such people will never be allowed to take power in Estonia.
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2024-09-11
Second reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Financial Supervision Authority Act and Other Acts (422 SE)

Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session

There is no opposition because no amendments were received from the Riigikogu, and market participants found that the issues have been resolved appropriately. The criticism is directed only at a technical error found in the draft materials, not at the substance of the matter.
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2024-06-13
Financial Supervision Authority 2023 Annual Report

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session

There is no direct confrontation or personal criticism. The criticism is aimed at procedural delays, particularly regarding solutions for the positive credit register and the supervision of credit unions, which have "dragged on unacceptably long."
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2024-06-10
First Reading of the Draft Act on the 2024 Supplementary Budget (456 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Opponents are those who wish to increase spending while revenues are falling, and who have demonstrated demagoguery and incompetence. The criticism is intense, accusing them of a lack of responsibility and engaging in vain point-scoring. He suggests that some actions within the ministries and agencies appear to be sabotage or deliberate obstruction.
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2024-05-30
Discussion of the nationally important issue: "How can the state avoid living in debt?"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

The primary adversaries are the "three deficit masters" from previous years, who stand accused of self-justification and putting forward ridiculous proposals. The criticism targets political irresponsibility, laziness, and cowardice, all of which are evident in the continuous postponement of necessary budget decisions. The resistance is intense, and it accuses the opposing party of dragging the country into a debt spiral.
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2024-05-30
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Crypto Asset Market (Bill 398 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The resistance is aimed at those who criticize Estonian regulation for its alleged strictness, or those who submitted amendments (e.g., No. 9 and No. 12) that failed to gain support in the committee. The criticism targets political viewpoints that fail to consider the state's financial risks and technical feasibility, such as the high cost associated with automatic data transfer. Mention is also made of an opposition party that declined to discuss its own draft legislation.
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2024-05-16
Debate on the matter of national importance initiated by the Economic Affairs Committee: "How to increase productivity in the Estonian economy?"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session

Criticism is aimed at state agencies that delay permit processing and offer excuses instead of solutions, thereby causing market failures. Interest groups seeking an oligopoly or monopoly are also criticized, and there is a demand that the Parliament does not become their mouthpiece. Criticism is also directed at companies that fail to meet the promised 2% R&D commitment.
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2024-05-16
First Reading of the Bill to Amend the Financial Supervision Authority Act and Other Acts (422 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

No data available.
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2024-05-15
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Social Welfare Act and Other Acts (Special Welfare Services and Changing the Address of Residence) (421 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The opposition is expressed as doubt regarding the feasibility of the government's proposed bill, focusing specifically on the issue of labor shortages. The criticism is aimed at the implementation of the policy and is framed as a question, rather than an attack.
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2024-05-08
The 2024 Report by the Minister of Finance on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Eesti 2035" (including an overview of public service development trends in 2022 and 2023)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.

The criticism is aimed at both government members (especially the "cost minister" for evading responsibility) and the opposition for their insincerity and "grandstanding." A separate, intense political attack is leveled against the Isamaa party concerning the defense of an "extremely stupid decision"—the so-called tax hump—demanding that they acknowledge their error. The speaker criticizes politicians who preach responsibility but fail to follow through with actions.
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2024-05-08
Second reading of the Draft Act amending the State Budget Act (391 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.

There is no direct opposition or criticism. The speaker is analyzing the opinion of the Government of the Republic, clarifying why certain government recommendations (e.g., the requirement for government presence) did not need to be added to the statute, as the corresponding right is already guaranteed in the Constitution.
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2024-04-09
First Reading of the Crypto-Asset Market Act Bill (398 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker acknowledges concerns that the draft bill might drive the sector out of Estonia, but addresses them factually, pointing out that the previously lax regulation was the actual problem. Direct criticism is leveled at the former Estonian regulation, which was "very loose" and attracted service providers to Estonia who were not actually operating here.
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