By Months: Maris Lauri

Within the coalition, the necessity of compromise is being emphasized during the drafting of the budget ("the three-party compromise"). Meetings have been held with interest groups (including trade unions and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to seek technical clarifications regarding the security tax bill. Substantive cooperation with the opposition is largely absent, save for rare exceptions (e.g., funding for the Estonian Book Year), and offers to cooperate on merging bills were rejected.

The speaker calls upon the opposition for substantive cooperation in amending the State Budget Framework Act in order to improve things. He is open to discussion regarding the future structure of the budget, but emphasizes that any changes must be thoroughly considered and technically viable. He notes that the current budget represents a compromise between the coalition partners.

Stresses the necessity of constructive cooperation within the Riigikogu and its committees, highlighting consensus-based decisions on procedural matters. Deems international teamwork with allies (the Baltic States, Scandinavia, Great Britain) crucial for security issues, underscoring the importance of unity.

The speaker strongly emphasizes the necessity of cooperation, inclusion, and seeking compromises in order to keep society balanced and prevent internal fissures. He notes that procedural decisions within the Finance Committee were made by consensus, and that stakeholders' opinions were sought during the preparation of the draft legislation. He calls for restoring the Riigikogu's capacity for discussion.

Although the speaker is critical of irresponsibility, he expresses hope and the need to find consensus and responsibility within the Riigikogu and the government to resolve the budget crisis. On the topic of the financial system, he calls for constructive cooperation between relevant institutions, authorities, and the private sector to address long-stalled regulatory issues.

In managing the work of the commission, [he/she] emphasizes consensus, repeatedly noting that decisions were made by consensus (e.g., regarding the draft budget for constitutional institutions and the draft financial sector bill). In the legislative process, [he/she] is open to cooperation but demands accountability and swift action, especially when handling the supplementary budget.

The style of cooperation is institutional and consensus-based, emphasizing close collaboration with Ministry of Finance officials and financial supervision authorities. A strong consensus was reached within the Commission on procedural matters (8 votes in favor to 1 vote against).