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 are highly competent in budgetary and financial matters, utilizing technical terminology (activity-based cost items, financial transactions, depreciation). Speaker 1 demonstrates knowledge of the budget information system and performance management dashboards, while Speaker 2 provides instructive explanations regarding the distinction between costs and financial transactions.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-10-09
Discussion of the Crucial National Issue 'The Future of the Estonian Economy'

15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in macroeconomics and the theory of competitiveness, utilizing specific terminology such as convergence, value addition, and productivity measurement methodologies. He/She explains economic processes (e.g., the convergence of wage levels) based on theoretical foundations, highlighting the significance of research and development (R&D) and innovation. Reference is also made to a presentation delivered at the development monitoring conference (by Christian Fjäder).
View Profile View Agenda
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.

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).
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, clarifying the subsequent voting procedure for the bill that the President had returned. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about the substance of the money laundering bill and the positions held by the relevant committees (the Constitutional Committee and the Finance Committee).
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-11
The Financial Supervision Authority's 2024 Report

15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in financial regulation, banking supervision, and the historical development of the Estonian financial system since the restoration of independence. Specific terms are used, such as "banking prudential requirements," "positive credit register," and "systemic problems." To clarify the role of the Financial Supervision Authority, an authoritative medical parallel is employed ("a doctor who assesses, monitors, advises, and intervenes when necessary").
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of financial regulation and credit information sharing, addressing the scope of the register (specifically, the exclusion of collection agencies) and its objectives (preventing excessive borrowing). Specific details are provided, such as the exclusion from the register of loans obtained from private individuals, and an estimated one million contracts currently held within the register. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the law's impact on the issuance of consumer credit.
View Profile View Agenda
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 demonstrates profound expertise in the field of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), distinguishing between case analysis and strategic analysis, and clarifying the core functions of the Financial Intelligence Unit (RAB). They employ technical terms such as "pseudonymization" and "depseudonymization" and reference specific legal acts (the General Data Protection Regulation, Supreme Court judgments). The expertise also encompasses a detailed understanding of data protection and legislative drafting procedures, explaining the necessity of amendments when elevating provisions from the regulation level to the statutory level.
View Profile View Agenda
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 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).
View Profile View Agenda
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 demonstrates specific expertise in the fields of constitutional law and judicial administration, employing technical terminology such as "budgetary independence" and "constitutionality." To substantiate this knowledge, he references specific legal authorities (Mr. Pikamäe), whose positions contradict the draft legislation currently under review.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speakers demonstrate expertise in tax policy terminology (progressive income tax, the tax hump, tax exemption) and in the procedural rules of the Riigikogu. The first speaker demonstrates authority when presenting the work of the Finance Committee and the voting results. The second speaker explains the impact of changes in the tax burden on different income groups.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates competence regarding the technical aspects of anti-money laundering (AML) legislation and data analysis, employing terminology such as "bulk data analysis" and "to pseudonymize." This expertise is relevant to the work of the Finance Committee and the functions of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU/RAB), drawing upon explanations provided by the minister and the head of the RAB.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the operational procedures of the Riigikogu and the protocols of the Finance Committee, providing a precise overview of the discussion's progress and the voting results. The substantive topic is the compliance of the State Budget Act with the Constitution, concerning which the government's position on the adequacy of the existing legal framework is conveyed.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-05-08
Draft Law on Declaring the Security Tax Act Invalid (595 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

A detailed overview of the Finance Committee meeting is presented, demonstrating a thorough understanding of parliamentary procedures and the intricacies of tax policy. Technical terminology is employed, including terms like substitute income, distributed profit, and specific tax rates (24% personal income tax). This expertise is further highlighted by the clear articulation of the government's position regarding the impact of the new taxes on various income brackets.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates expertise in national security, border management, and regional security policy, drawing comparisons to the timing of border closures in Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania within the context of hybrid attacks. They emphasize the necessity of technical threat assessments and the analysis of consequences stemming from potential Russian countermeasures. They also address detailed aspects, such as the partial or full closure of border crossing points and the restriction of specific modes of movement.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-01-16
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (520 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Demonstrates a high level of expertise regarding the logic of the State Budget Act, activity-based budgeting, and the procedural norms of the Riigikogu. This knowledge is utilized to criticize the lack of substance in the opposing party's draft bill, and to explain why the budget is inherently complex and demands thorough study. References the work of the Ministry of Finance and previous budget issues concerning the achievement of goals.
View Profile View Agenda
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

Shows deep expertise regarding the State Budget Basic Act, activity-based budgeting, and legislative amendments (Draft 511). Uses technical terminology (in terms of economic substance, performance-based budget, specification requirements) and refers to previous consultations held with the Chancellor of Justice and the Auditor General. Explains in detail why the presentation of subsidies broken down by legal entity is not always possible due to competitive tenders.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-12-11
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates authority on state budget and security matters by presenting detailed figures on defense spending, calculated according to both NATO and Statistics Estonia methodologies (3.3% and 3.5% of GDP, totaling 1.4 billion euros). He technically explains the methods for covering the budget deficit and stresses that a loan does not constitute budgetary revenue, indicating a profound grasp of fiscal policy. Furthermore, the need to reduce bureaucracy and absurd reporting requirements is highlighted as essential for improving the business environment.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-12-04
Second reading of the draft law on the security tax (512 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The text demonstrates profound expertise in taxation, financial management, and legislative procedure, stemming from long-term experience within the financial sector. It utilizes technical terminology (double taxation, anti-abuse provision, amortization) and clarifies the theoretical underpinnings of the state budget, specifically differentiating loans from revenue. Furthermore, it offers detailed explanations concerning the proposed amendments to the bill (e.g., consolidated financial statements, quarterly taxation) and the economic rationale behind them.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-11-13
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the processing and structure of the state budget, citing the requirements of Section 116 of the Constitution concerning the identification of revenue sources when expenditures are increased. They technically differentiate between expenditure-based and performance-based budgeting and are aware of the number of development plans (17) and their debate in the Riigikogu (Parliament). The speaker stresses that the budget act cannot be used to amend other legislation, pointing to the necessity of utilizing a draft resolution of the Riigikogu.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-11-13
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.

Demonstrates a high level of expertise in the State Budget Act and budget procedure, utilizing specific terminology (e.g., activity-based budgeting, carry-over funds/transferable appropriations, expenditure ceilings). It relies on the positions of key authorities (the National Audit Office, the Chancellor of Justice, the Ministry of Finance) and references detailed committee discussions, indicating a profound depth of knowledge. It clarifies complex relationships between indicators, objectives, and financial allocations, while simultaneously acknowledging their current ambiguity.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of public finance and budgeting methodologies (cost-based, activity-based, and performance-based), distinguishing between their respective merits and practical implementation challenges. He references his extensive experience on the Finance Committee and asserts that he is one of the very few Riigikogu members who has actually read every budget document. He employs technical terminology to clarify the distinct requirements of financial accounting versus strategic management.
View Profile View Agenda
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 demonstrates expertise in the working procedures of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), emphasizing the importance of the state budget debate and the substantive work carried out by the Finance Committee. He criticizes the opposition's failure to submit questions during the budget's first reading, thereby highlighting procedural deficiencies. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable about the work of the committees and the minister's participation in them.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-10-16
Draft Security Tax Act (512 SE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the technical details of taxation and legislation, explaining the implementation of the Security Tax (Julgeolekumaks) concerning private individuals (pensions, pillars) and business entities. This expertise encompasses knowledge of the requirements set forth in the Income Tax Act, the taxation of non-residents, and the Accounting Act, particularly concerning the risk of profit concealment (which is factored into forecasts at a 20% rate). Furthermore, the speaker is proficient in legislative procedure and the operational organization of the committee.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-10-16
Draft law amending the State Budget Act (511 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker, representing the Finance Committee, demonstrates strong expertise in public finance, budgetary mechanisms, and legislative procedure. Specific terminology, such as performance-based and cost-based budgeting, is utilized. Furthermore, the flexibility inherent in reclassifying expenditures (labor costs versus operating costs) is explained. It is noted that the clarity of the budget depends equally on the method of presentation and the reader's existing knowledge, citing the complexity of accounting as a prime example.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of constitutionality, the quality of legislation, and political accountability. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of the clarity and quality of the Estonian language in legal acts, referring to this as a sign of clear thinking. He/She addresses the Riigikogu’s responsibility to balance widely differing societal needs, such as nature conservation, education, national defense, and the economy.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates expertise in financial regulation and procedural processes, thoroughly explaining the content and objectives of the European Union's digital operational resilience requirements. Technical terms are employed, such as "digital operational resilience requirements," "cyberattacks," and "information and financial assets." Furthermore, a precise overview is provided regarding the nature of the proposed amendments (specifically, clarification of the effective date and references).
View Profile View Agenda
2024-06-13
Financial Supervision Authority 2023 Annual Report

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in the field of financial regulation and supervision, citing specific legislative proposals (DORA, crypto markets, debt collection) and institutional solutions (the financial ombudsman). They employ technical language and stress the need for comprehensive supervisory coverage of the system, referencing the consequences stemming from previously unregulated situations.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-06-10
First Reading of the Draft Act on the 2024 Supplementary Budget (456 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in public finance and budgetary discipline, citing specific deficit percentages (3% and 5%) and the total sum of uncovered costs (€2 billion). They stress the need to comply with the legal requirement for maintaining a sound budget and draw a clear distinction between taking out loans for investments versus covering current expenditures. This expertise is focused on cost control and criticizing the growth of bureaucracy across government ministries.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-05-30
Discussion of the nationally important issue: "How can the state avoid living in debt?"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in fiscal policy, debt management, and budgetary rules, referencing debates from the 1990s and international examples (Greece, Sweden, Finland). Specific terminology is employed, such as expenditure ceilings, permanent cost reductions, and nominal GDP growth. The expertise is further confirmed by a reference to the speaker's previous experience as Finance Minister during the Greek crisis.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-05-30
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Crypto Asset Market (Bill 398 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates deep technical expertise regarding financial regulation, the risks associated with crypto asset markets, and the legislative process. Detailed data is utilized (e.g., 650 licenses in 2021 vs. 48 companies currently), and specific amendment numbers and discussions of their content within the committee are referenced. The expertise covers both the specific characteristics of the Estonian legal system (specifically, the corporate governance level) and the application of EU regulations.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speakers demonstrate profound knowledge of R&D funding models (specifically the 1+2% GDP agreement), macroeconomic stability (including sovereign ratings and deficits), and competition law. Specific terminology is employed, such as the "valley of death" (referring to the gap between science and enterprise), and the importance of agility and smart products is stressed. Knowledge-based correlations are presented between public finance and the cost of corporate borrowing.
View Profile View Agenda
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 expertise clearly lies within the domain of financial regulation and legislative procedure, employing technical terminology such as “enhancing operational resilience” and “transposition of European Union law.” The speaker is thoroughly versed in the working procedures of the Riigikogu committee, detailing consensus-based decisions and deadlines for proposed amendments, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates knowledge of the personnel structure within specialized care services, clearly differentiating between caregivers and activity workers. The focus is on the technical aspect of workforce availability and demand in the social welfare sector.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker demonstrates strong expertise in budgetary, tax, and financial policy, utilizing specific terminology such as GDP, nominal GDP growth, indexation, and co-financing. He supports his views with financial logic ("a smart financier does both") and refers to international recommendations, for example, the OECD recommendation on property taxation. He analyzes in detail the problems associated with the growth of fixed expenditures and the appropriateness of European Union funds.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-05-08
Second reading of the Draft Act amending the State Budget Act (391 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu and the operations of the Finance Committee, explaining the details of Draft Bill 391 SE and the substance of the proposed amendments. Specific terminology is employed, such as "macroeconomic forecast" and "sources of coverage," and reference is made to Article 100 of the Constitution, which indicates legal authority. The expertise focuses on the legal and economic correctness of the budget procedure.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-04-09
First Reading of the Crypto-Asset Market Act Bill (398 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates high technical expertise in the field of financial regulation and corporate law. He/She addresses in detail the requirements imposed on the crypto market, the liability limits (5–15 million), and the cooperation between the Financial Supervisory Authority and the Financial Intelligence Unit (RAB). The expertise relies on clarifying the specific differences between European Union regulations and Estonian business law.
View Profile View Agenda
Back to Profiling