Session Profile: Lauri Läänemets
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
A strong focus on lowering the Value Added Tax (VAT) on basic foodstuffs (from 24% to 9%) to improve people's livelihoods and stimulate the economy. The political framework is strongly value-based, emphasizing the lack of fairness in the government's policies, which contradicts the values enshrined in the preamble of the constitution. The speaker positions themselves as offering an alternative state budget that is more compassionate and more mindful of the economy.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and the food market, citing specific data on the increase in food prices (over 50%) and the export sector (13%). They reference an analysis, jointly prepared by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, which estimates the draft bill's impact to be 170 million euros. Furthermore, they highlight international examples (Latvia, Finland, Sweden) regarding plans and effects of VAT reduction.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is insistent, critical, and occasionally combative, blending logical arguments (the regressiveness of taxation) with emotional appeals (poor families, injustice). The speaker employs a strong juxtaposition (handing out money to the rich for loans versus lowering the food tax) and accuses the government of incompetence, panic, and irresponsible fiscal policy. The speaker also incorporates personal stories detailing the struggles low-income individuals face in making ends meet.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their previous activity in the government (SDE) starting in September 2024, when an analysis into reducing food prices was initiated and meetings were held with merchants. The current activity focuses on submitting a bill to the Riigikogu and substantively defending it, responding to criticism and recalling earlier political events (being ousted from the government).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong and intense opposition to the economic and financial policies of the Reform Party and the government, particularly the state budget, which is deemed unreasonable and irresponsible. Criticism targets political injustice (taking out loans to support the wealthy) and the government leadership's preoccupation with popularity ratings and incompetence. The government is also accused of trying to teach the opposition and the public a "lesson" through tax hikes.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the broad public support for lowering the food tax, citing professional associations, business federations, and 100,000 signatures. He/She is open to compromise, supporting Toomas Luman’s proposal to consider initially lowering the VAT on a temporary basis. The speaker also hinted that even members of the coalition (e.g., Annely Akkermann, Mart Võrklaev) are critical of the government's budget.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national economic and social policy, but the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the Estonian agricultural sector and food producers is emphasized. Examples of low-income families from Pärnu are also mentioned to illustrate the extent of social problems.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports stimulating consumption through a VAT reduction, which would contribute to economic growth and bolster agriculture. Sharply criticizes the government's fiscal policy, which funnels borrowed money to the wealthiest 10% of society, thereby increasing the state's debt burden and interest expenses. They favor a more socially equitable budget that would direct funds toward people struggling to make ends meet.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central theme is social justice and livelihood, focusing especially on the plight of lower-income individuals (pensioners, families with children) for whom food costs make up a significant portion of their budget. It is stressed that VAT (Value Added Tax) is a regressive tax that disproportionately burdens those with smaller incomes, and lowering the tax on food is necessary to ensure access to a healthy diet.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is amending the Value Added Tax Act to lower the VAT on basic foodstuffs from 24% to 9%. This applies to root vegetables, vegetables, dairy, meat, grain, and fish products, as well as eggs. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of the bill, offering it as an alternative to the government’s draft state budget. He/She criticizes the Ministry of Finance for the lack of analysis regarding the plans of other countries.
13 Speeches Analyzed