Session Profile: Maris Lauri
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session
2024-05-16
Political Position
The political stance strongly emphasizes the necessity of a stable and fair legal framework and ensuring robust competition to support business development. The primary concern is the poor state of public finances, which is viewed as a source of economic uncertainty, demanding a swift resolution to avoid widespread cuts or tax hikes. The approach is results-oriented, focusing on creating the necessary conditions for innovation and risk-taking. In shaping policy, the state's role is prioritized as a condition-setter, rather than as an entity that does the work for businesses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic policy, particularly in R&D funding schemes (the 1+2 agreement, the valley of death) and the impact of public finance and credit ratings on corporate borrowing costs. Specific terms are used, such as "market failure," "oligopolist," "monopolism," and "agility," and the success story of the Estonian IT sector is highlighted as a model for innovation. The expert knowledge focuses on identifying systemic barriers and market failures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is analytical, formal, and insistent, particularly when addressing state finance and permit processing ("absolutely necessary without delay"). Logical arguments are employed, linking the state's uncertainty to corporate investment decisions and interest rates. The tone is predominantly critical of systemic issues (bureaucracy, competition), but positive and appreciative regarding the innovativeness of entrepreneurs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary session, presenting both questions (regarding R&D funding) and a longer speech concerning the business environment and public finances. The speeches are focused on the specific discussion topic and are thorough in content. Information regarding the frequency of other activities or presentations is unavailable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at state authorities that offer excuses instead of solutions, and against systemic market failures, such as unacceptably long permit processing times. Strong opposition is also aimed at those interested in oligopoly or monopolism, emphasizing that the Riigikogu must not be their "mouthpiece." The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, pointing to an unfair legal framework.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses hope that important issues will receive more thorough consideration going forward in the Riigikogu committees, ministries, and at the government level, indicating a desire for constructive cooperation. Colleagues are addressed respectfully, and the work that has been done is acknowledged, even if it does not yield immediate results. The goal of this cooperation is to find solutions for improving the business environment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national (the Estonian business environment, Estonian state finances) and international, highlighting the necessity of defending Estonia’s interests within the European Union and globally. International competitiveness in research and development is also mentioned. Specific local or regional issues are not covered.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly advocate for fiscal discipline, viewing large deficits as a source of uncertainty that drives up interest rates and stifles investment. Support is given to entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on innovation, risk appetite, and reducing the regulatory burden (specifically, permit processing). State intervention should be restricted to addressing market failures and supporting the "valley of death" between science and business, favoring financial instruments (such as guarantees and sureties) over direct investments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at guaranteeing a fair legal framework and ensuring competition, referencing the current draft legislation that is accompanied by legal disputes. Key priorities also include accelerating permit application processes (such as construction and environmental permits) and establishing financial measures to support research and development (R&D). The objective is to ensure that the Riigikogu provides opportunities for businesses, rather than creating obstacles.
3 Speeches Analyzed