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

The first speaker employs a formal and procedural style, concentrating on the neutral presentation of the committee's work and decisions. The second speaker is didactic and occasionally aggressive, beginning by refuting the "strange positions" held by previous speakers, directly criticizing the incompetence of colleagues, and advising them to perform their duties more diligently.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, structured, and analytical, relying on logical arguments and established economic truths. While the tone is one of concern regarding global instability and unexpected events, the substantive treatment remains rational and explanatory. Rhetorical questions and acronyms (NIMBY, BANANA) are utilized, and emphasis is placed on the ambition to rank at the very top of the charts.
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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 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").
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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 rhetorical style is corrective and procedural, beginning with the correction of a colleague's error concerning procedural matters. The tone is professional and logical, focusing on the presentation of facts and concluding with a direct question that seeks critical input for improving the draft.
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2025-09-11
The Financial Supervision Authority's 2024 Report

15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting

The style is formal and analytical, combining historical context (references to the system's "colorful" beginnings) with powerful metaphors (the financial system as the economy's circulatory system). The tone is generally optimistic regarding the system's development ("more or less normal"), but includes a pressing warning concerning financial fraud and malicious activities. The emotional appeal underscores the "devastating" impact of financial fraud at the individual level.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and purely informative, fulfilling the role of the Finance Committee's rapporteur. The tone is neutral and fact-based, focusing on summarizing the topics discussed by the committee and the procedural decisions made. Emotional or persuasive appeals are absent, relying instead on a logical and structured overview.
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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’s style is predominantly formal, thorough, and explanatory, focusing on logical arguments and the presentation of procedural details. The tone is defensive, especially when responding to criticism concerning data protection, yet the speaker simultaneously strives to be patient and corrective toward the opposition, which, in their view, has failed to participate in the commission’s work. They repeatedly stress that decisions are still made by people, not by machines, thus balancing the technological solution with human oversight.
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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 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."
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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 rhetorical style is formal, respectful, and analytical, presenting a complex legal dilemma directly to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The appeal is purely logical and procedural, underscoring the complexity of the legislative process and potential future litigation.
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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 style is dual: one speaker is formal and neutral, focusing on procedural reporting concerning the commission’s work. The second speaker, however, is very combative and critical, using strong judgments (e.g., "perverse progressive income tax") and contrasting right-wing values with the opposition’s policies. The criticism is emotionally charged, but also includes a logical justification regarding the need for security.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and neutrally informative, concentrating on providing a brief overview of the Finance Committee's discussions and consensus-based decisions. The tone is factual and concise, steering clear of emotional appeals or complicated rhetoric.
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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 rhetorical style is extremely formal, neutral, and fact-based, focusing solely on conveying the proceedings and decisions of the Finance Committee meeting. This constitutes pure reporting, devoid of emotional or persuasive arguments.
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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 style of the speech is formal, neutral, and procedural, centered on the precise communication of the events and decisions from the commission meeting. The tone is informative and objective, lacking emotional appeals or personal assessments. In the second short speech, the speaker's role (commission representative) is emphasized, and a recommendation is given to review the government's agenda.
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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

Rhetoric is measured, analytical, and formal, emphasizing a logical approach and prudence. The speaker employs the metaphor "a hot heart and a cold head" and focuses on procedures and the assessment of consequences, rather than emotional appeals. The second speech is a brief, straightforward procedural intervention concerning personal defense against defamation.
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2025-01-16
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (520 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The style is highly combative and critical, using harsh terms like "crap" and "below any standard" to describe the quality of the draft bill. It combines logical arguments (lack of substance, rushing the process) with emotional intensity, and actively engages in procedural disputes concerning freedom of speech and demagoguery. It demands that speakers be brought back to the topic of discussion and engage in substantive debate.
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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 tone is predominantly confrontational and critical, especially regarding the content of the opponents' draft bill, which is referred to as a "botch." Strong language is employed (e.g., accusing opponents of demagoguery and making a racket), while simultaneously relying on logical and technical arguments concerning the history of the legislation and the current amendments. The presentation is formal, including detailed references to committee discussions and decisions.
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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 rhetorical style is serious and at times aggressively confrontational, utilizing logical arguments (data, methodologies) mixed with emotional accusations directed at the opposition. The speaker employs strong metaphors ("he will soon feed his own to the enemy") and appeals to social responsibility and the necessity of contribution. The tone is formal, yet it contains sharp personal attacks against the opposition's motives and actions.
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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 tone is generally formal and explanatory, especially when introducing the work of the Finance Committee and the technical details of the draft bill. However, when responding to criticism, the tone becomes defensive and occasionally aggressive, accusing opponents of demagoguery, spreading fear, and disrespect. It employs both logical arguments (fiscal necessity, adherence to the law) and value-based appeals (national security, the value of independence).
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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 tone is analytical, confident, and occasionally didactic, especially when criticizing the opposition's procedural errors. It uses both logical arguments (referencing rules and economic conditions) and a slight emotional assessment, expressing sadness over the opposition making itself "ridiculous." He describes himself as a liberal who cannot forbid others from making fools of themselves.
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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 style is predominantly formal, analytical, and procedural, presenting detailed overviews of the commission's work and the experts' positions. When faced with criticism and objections, the tone shifts to sharp and defensive, accusing opponents of being unfamiliar with the draft, engaging in demagoguery, and hypocrisy. It appeals to logic and technical feasibility, strictly avoiding emotional arguments.
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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 rhetorical style is analytical and formal, focusing on logical argumentation and procedural criticism. The tone is critical of past preparation but constructive regarding the future, calling for substantive cooperation. A confident tone, based on personal experience, is employed, and rhetorical questions are posed to highlight previous errors.
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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 style is predominantly critical and combative, particularly regarding the opposition's motives and behavior, which are characterized as hypocritical and boorish. The speaker utilizes both logical arguments (rules of procedure) and emotional appeals (addressing the pointlessness of taking offense and becoming angry). There are also personal references (a socially harmful element), and linguistic nuance is emphasized.
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2024-10-16
Draft Security Tax Act (512 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The rhetorical style is twofold: the initial speeches are neutral and procedural, focusing on an overview of the Finance Committee's work. In political discourse, however, the tone shifts to urgent, passionate, and at times aggressive, accusing opponents of demagoguery, foolish talk, and chasing short-term political gains. Both logical arguments (structural decline, borrowing limits) and emotional appeals for unity and statesmanship are employed.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and procedural, focusing on the communication of the committee's work and decisions. The tone is predominantly constructive and measured, but it includes mild criticism directed at those colleagues who have not read the draft bill or understood its logic ("A bit of a shame!"). The appeals are primarily logical, based on explaining the content of the bill and budgetary practices.
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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 rhetorical style is serious, cautionary, and formal, emphasizing the responsibility of Riigikogu members and the necessity of looking beyond immediate concerns. Logical and value-based appeals are employed, warning against the consequences of populism and irresponsibility, which ultimately lead to the violation of fundamental rights. The speaker demands the restoration of the capacity for genuine discussion, standing in opposition to shouting, humiliation, and insults.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, fact-based, and focuses on procedural explanation, which is typical for the rapporteur of the finance committee. The tone is neutral and logical, concentrating on conveying the details of the committee's work, schedule, and consensus decisions. The speaker briefly apologizes for a technical error present in the materials.
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2024-06-13
Financial Supervision Authority 2023 Annual Report

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session

The rhetorical style is formal and constructive, utilizing an analytical approach. The speaker emphasizes the urgency of the situation, particularly regarding solutions that have been unacceptably delayed, yet maintains a measured tone. The central metaphor is the financial system as the economy's "blood circulation," which must neither be killed off nor allowed to become too rigid.
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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 speaker’s style is urgent, anxious, and sharply critical, warning that Estonia’s finances are heading for a complete collapse ("down the toilet"). They employ both logical arguments regarding fiscal necessity and strong emotional warnings, citing negative examples from other EU countries. They accuse their opponents of demagoguery, foolishness, and incompetence, but conclude with an optimistic hope that a sense of responsibility will finally emerge.
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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 rhetorical style is forceful, didactic, and critical, employing powerful metaphors (such as "debt vortex," "conflagration") and historical analogies. The speaker balances logical arguments (the economic repercussions of debt) with emotional appeals (responsibility to future generations). Folk wisdom ("a wise person learns from the mistakes of others") and straightforward language are utilized when criticizing political irresponsibility.
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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 language register is formal, procedural, and analytical, concentrating on factual data and the established course of action. The tone is explanatory and occasionally corrective, especially when addressing criticism regarding the strictness of Estonian regulation or responding to a presented "biased viewpoint." The appeals are predominantly logical, stressing risk mitigation, fiscal prudence, and technical feasibility.
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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 style is formal and analytical, balancing logical arguments (such as the link between interest rates and sovereign rating) with emotional warnings. The tone is largely positive and appreciative (regarding IT success), but becomes cautionary and urgent when discussing state finances, referencing the Greek crisis as a dramatic example. Overall, the speakers are constructive, praising the usefulness of the discussion and the positive presentations.
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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 style of communication is formal, neutral, and fact-based, focusing on conveying the decisions and procedural progress of the Finance Committee. The presentation is brief and logical, avoiding emotional or rhetorical devices and focusing solely on procedural information.
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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 rhetorical style is polite and formal, addressing the minister with respect ("Esteemed Minister!"). The speaker employs a logical approach, posing a question regarding an identified inconsistency in order to obtain clarification, with the aim of resolving a practical problem.
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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 rhetorical style is urgent and critical, employing the central metaphor of "fire" to describe the budget crisis, which emphasizes the need for immediate response. The speaker relies on logical arguments and demands accountability, contrasting this with "preening and self-praise." The tone is formal yet direct, requiring clarity from opponents (e.g., regarding the objective of the national defense tax).
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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 rhetorical style is highly formal, neutral, and informative, focusing on the detailed reporting of the finance committee's work process and decisions. The discourse is logic-based, avoiding emotional appeals and employing clear, technical language to describe the procedure. The overall tone is factual and purposeful, aimed at establishing procedural clarity.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and analytical, characteristic of a steering committee report. The speaker focuses on logical arguments, presenting summaries of the committee's discussions, decisions, and technical details. The tone is neutral and informative, avoiding emotional appeals.
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