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

Both speakers strongly support adherence to budget procedures and fiscal discipline, underscoring the importance of international treaties (the EU and the euro). Budget transparency and detail are viewed as exceptionally strong in international comparisons, lending support to the existing budget information system. Speaker 2 vigorously defends the fiscal rules stemming from European Union membership, equating any breach of these rules with withdrawal from the EU.
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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 political platform heavily focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of the Estonian economy through four key pillars: natural resources, labor, capital, and knowledge. The speaker adopts a strongly critical stance toward dismantling the second pension pillar, viewing this move as an impediment to the accumulation of domestic capital. The framework itself is policy-driven, emphasizing long-term strategic development within an unstable global environment.
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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.

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.
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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 political position focuses heavily on legislative procedures and the correctness of the proceedings, beginning with correcting a colleague regarding the return of the draft bill. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of continuing to amend the anti-money laundering bill, referencing the recommendations of the Constitutional and Finance Committees, which demonstrates a focus on the quality of legislation. The stance is rather policy- and procedure-based.
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2025-09-11
The Financial Supervision Authority's 2024 Report

15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting

The political position centers on balancing the stability and flexibility of the financial system. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of avoiding unduly rigid and burdensome rules, while simultaneously strengthening oversight against systemic risks (e.g., savings and loan associations, money laundering). Consumer protection against financial fraud and detrimental behavior is supported, underscoring the need to establish a financial ombudsman. The position is strongly policy- and performance-based, stressing the efficiency of regulation.
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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

The political stance is aimed at supporting the legislative process for the Draft Law on Sharing Credit Information (652 SE), stressing its positive effect on preventing over-indebtedness and easing the workload of the courts. This approach is policy-driven, drawing attention to technical details, such as the parallel between establishing a loan prohibition and a gambling ban. The objective is to advance the bill to its first reading in the plenary session.
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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 strongly supports Bill 640 SE, which is aimed at amending the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act, emphasizing its crucial importance in safeguarding Estonia's economic reputation and national security. The political stance is highly results-oriented and focused on legislative action, specifically concentrating on enhancing the technological capacity of the Financial Intelligence Unit (RAB) to combat crime. The framework of the bill is considered a necessary response to previous negative experiences and international expectations.
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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 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.
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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 political position centers on questions regarding the constitutionality of changes to the organization of the courts and ensuring the budgetary independence of the judiciary. The speaker emphasizes the difficult dilemma facing the Riigikogu, which stems from the conflicting standpoints of institutional authorities, and expresses moderate concern about the legal risks associated with the draft bill. The focus is clearly policy- and procedure-centric.
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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 political position is strongly geared toward supporting tax reform, with the goal of abolishing the tax hump and increasing the basic income exemption, which is claimed will improve residents' financial well-being. This stance is value-based (right-wing Estonia) and policy-driven, emphasizing the necessity of a higher tax rate to ensure national security. The speaker advocates for restoring the old tax system, albeit with a higher rate.
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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

The political stance is strongly supportive of the government-initiated draft amendment to the Money Laundering Prevention Act (640 SE). The framing is policy-based, emphasizing the technical advantages of the new legislation in data analysis and anomaly detection, while simultaneously confirming that no new data access rights will be established.
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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 political stance is directed toward rejecting a specific draft bill (580 SE), as the government believes the economic substance is already addressed within the existing legal framework. This position is highly contentious (5 votes in favor of rejection, 1 against the rejection) and is primarily based on procedural and legal justifications. The motion to reject the draft bill was put forward by the Finance Committee.
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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 speaker positions themselves as a neutral, procedural representative, emphasizing their role as a member of the commission, rather than a member of a political party. The main political confrontation revolves around the abolition of the security tax, which the governing coalition does not support due to the lack of replacement revenue. The government's position is that the tax increases will be replaced by a new, comprehensive tax package, which should be more favorable for lower-income individuals and businesses.
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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 political focus is on national security and border management, contrasting the immediate, emotion-based closure of the Estonian-Russian border. The speaker strongly supports deliberate, policy-based decisions that rely on a new threat assessment and cool-headed risk analysis. He/She emphasizes that Estonia has been successful when decisions were made with a passionate heart, but a sober and clear mind.
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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 has been voiced against the Center Party-initiated draft amendment to the State Budget Act (520 SE), which is widely considered superficial and inadequate. This stance supports the government's plan to carry out a comprehensive and extensive reform of the State Budget Act, with a strong emphasis on transparency and inclusiveness. The political framework is heavily focused on ensuring the quality of legislation and procedural correctness.
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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

Strong opposition to Draft Bill 525 SE, which has been dubbed a "shambles" because it is poorly conceived and was submitted purely for the purpose of "point-scoring." [The opposition/party] supports the government's position that amendments to the budget law (including Draft Bill 511) have already been implemented, and that more comprehensive changes require time and are scheduled for the following year. The political framework is heavily policy-driven, focusing on the quality and implementability of the legislation.
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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 speaker strongly supports the 2025 state budget, highlighting it as a coalition compromise focused on boosting security, stimulating economic growth, and supporting the vulnerable. The political stance is heavily oriented toward security and fiscal discipline, criticizing previous long-term laxity and emphasizing the constitutional obligation. Security is the primary priority, followed by improving the economic environment.
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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

Strong support for the implementation of a security tax, which is motivated by the need to cover defense expenditures exceeding 2% of GDP and to reduce the large state budget deficit. The political framework is value-based, emphasizing that the entire society must contribute to security, and fiscally responsible, favoring a combination of borrowing and tax increases. The choice of the security tax is considered the best of bad options.
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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.

Strong support for the 2025 state budget, which is being called "the best possible" given the current straitened circumstances and deep deficit. The political focus rests on three pillars: security, economic growth, and support for the socially vulnerable. The overall approach is value-based, emphasizing the creation of certainty and confidence, and backs making sacrifices (including tax increases) for the sake of security.
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2024-11-13
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

Supports moderate and technically feasible amendments to the Budget Law within the context of the 2025 budget, emphasizing the necessity of specifying expenditures fixed in other legislation (e.g., pensions, child allowances). It opposes rushing broader structural changes, preferring instead a thorough discussion in preparation for the 2026 budget. The political framework is highly procedural and policy-driven, focusing on ensuring transparency and constitutionality.
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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 political focus centers on a critical evaluation of the state budgeting reform (activity-based budgeting), highlighting its unsuccessful implementation and the absence of strategic management. The speaker advocates for cautious and deliberate further reform, while cautioning against a rushed return to cost-based budgeting. The stance is primarily procedural and results-oriented, criticizing the previous transition for being driven by excessive optimism and naivety.
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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 speaker takes a firm stand against the motion of no confidence in Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, deeming it hypocritical and an unnecessary attempt to grab attention. He/She stresses the importance of the multi-party system and coalition governments, while simultaneously criticizing the opposition for its non-substantive execution of its role. The position is strongly value-based and procedure-focused, defending the government's actions.
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2024-10-16
Draft Security Tax Act (512 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The political stance involves strong backing for the Security Tax, underscoring the necessity of covering significantly increased defense spending (approaching 4% of GDP), which cannot be entirely financed through budget cuts or borrowing. The bill is framed explicitly based on values, highlighting national security and the crucial importance of contributions from all residents and businesses toward self-defense. The speaker further warns that excessive debt load itself poses a risk to national security.
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2024-10-16
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The political focus is directed toward improving the State Budget Act and enhancing budget clarity, noting that the current draft is "a step forward." There is moderate support for ministerial flexibility in reallocating financial resources, while simultaneously stressing the necessity of both performance-based and cost-based budgeting. The "foggy" budget picture of previous years has disappeared, signaling a shift in political focus toward better systematization.
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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

The political stance is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the importance of freedom and responsibility, and warning against surrendering these for the sake of perceived security. The speaker opposes short-sighted populism, which focuses on prohibitions and denigrating the state. The main objective is maintaining societal balance to prevent internal fragmentation and vulnerability to external forces.
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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

The political position strongly supports the adoption of the European Union's digital operational resilience requirements for financial institutions, emphasizing the necessity of reducing the risks of cyber attacks and technical failures. The focus is politically aimed at enhancing the stability of the financial sector and increasing the protection of financial service clients and investors. The framing of the draft legislation is clearly policy- and regulation-based.
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2024-06-13
Financial Supervision Authority 2023 Annual Report

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session

The political stance centers on strengthening and regulating the financial system, emphasizing its crucial role as the economy's lifeblood. The speaker strongly advocates for the swift implementation of several long-delayed reforms, specifically citing the establishment of a positive credit register and finalizing the oversight of savings and loan associations. However, he cautions against making the system overly rigid, which could potentially damage the economy. The overall framing is heavily policy- and performance-driven, focusing on error prevention and rapid response capabilities.
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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

The core political priority is the rapid rectification of Estonia's poor financial situation, demanding an aggressive reduction of the budget deficit and significant spending cuts. The speaker criticizes the government's decision to live beyond its means and considers the current supplementary budget too small a step. Their position is strongly rooted in political and fiscal discipline, warning against the rapid deterioration of the state budget.
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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 political focus is centered on balancing the state budget and preventing a debt crisis, which is being treated as an unavoidable national priority. The speaker urgently demands the immediate reduction of the deficit, setting limits on expenditure growth, and cutting permanent costs. The political framework is strongly value-based (responsibility, prudence) and results-based (avoiding the Greek scenario).
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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 political position is one of strong support for stricter regulation of the crypto asset market, emphasizing the need to mitigate the high risks stemming from Estonia's previous negative experience. There is support for transferring supervision from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to the Financial Supervision Authority (FSA), justifying this move based on the specific requirements of financial supervision. This position is clearly policy- and risk-based, highlighting that the Estonian regulatory framework is not stricter than what EU regulations mandate, but rather implements the necessary specific characteristics arising from the Estonian legal system.
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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

The political emphasis is on increasing economic productivity, stressing innovation and the replication of the IT sector's success story. Strong criticism is directed at the poor state of public finances and the resulting uncertainty, alongside an urgent demand for the reduction of bureaucracy (specifically permit procedures). The primary focus is on the state's role in creating favorable conditions for businesses, rather than doing the work for them. The political framework is heavily policy- and results-driven (GDP, credit ratings).
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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

The political position is supportive of Draft Bill 422 SE, which is aimed at enhancing the operational resilience of the financial sector and transposing the relevant European Union law. This stance is primarily procedural and regulatory, focusing on the further processing of the legislative draft. The substance of the draft bill is summarized as the transposition of EU law, indicating a policy- and regulation-based approach.
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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 political focus is on the practical feasibility of the amendments to the Social Welfare Act and the realism of their implementation. A conflict is highlighted between the need for new staff (operational workers) and the difficulty of recruiting them, which raises concerns about the policy's effectiveness. The position taken is moderately skeptical, concentrating specifically on the details of policy execution.
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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 political focus is sharply aimed at the rapid resolution of the state budget crisis (a deficit of approximately 2 billion euros), which has been described as an "emergency." The speaker urgently demands immediate measures, encompassing cost cutting, prioritization, and revenue generation, emphasizing the importance of financial management and performance. A crucial political requirement is the swift elimination of the tax hump. The political framework is clearly results-based and demands accountability.
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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.

The political position centers on amending the State Budget Act to ensure that when the budgets of constitutional institutions are approved, both the economic forecast and the current state of public finances are taken into account. This stance is highly procedural and policy-driven, emphasizing the necessity of achieving budget balance and clearly identifying the sources for covering expenditures. The speaker supports the further processing of draft bill 391 SE in order to formalize the procedure for making budgetary decisions into law.
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2024-04-09
First Reading of the Crypto-Asset Market Act Bill (398 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Strong political support exists for adopting the draft law on the crypto-asset market, emphasizing the need to tighten regulations and bring them into line with European Union requirements. This stance is policy-driven and results-oriented, focusing on fixing the previously lax regulations that attracted foreign service providers to Estonia. The bill is supported as a necessary step to ensure security and trustworthiness.
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