By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Läänemets
Total Sessions: 40
Fully Profiled: 40
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
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.
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
The opposition is directed at the government, the policies led by the Reform Party, and the Prime Minister, who are accused of making irrational and socially unjust decisions. The criticism is policy- and substance-based, focusing on fiscal irresponsibility, which increases the state's debt burden and deficit. The possibility of compromise is not mentioned; instead, an explanation of the government's rationale is demanded.
2025-10-07
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The main opponent is the government and the finance minister, who are being accused of irresponsible budget policy that is leading the country into a bad situation. The criticism is policy-based, focusing specifically on tax cuts for the wealthy and the increase in national debt. The opposition is intense, noting that the government's actions make even EKRE's actions look mild by comparison.
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The main opponents are government ministers (including Mart Võrklaev, Kristen Michal, Kaja Kallas, and Gerrit Mäesalu), who are being personally criticized for their lack of accountability and dishonesty. The criticism is intense and aimed both at political decisions (the car tax) and procedural shortcomings (hiding the draft bill from the coalition partner). No willingness to compromise is being expressed; instead, there is a demand that they take responsibility.
2025-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The main criticism is directed at the government and the Reform Party, who are accused of unfair tax policy, irresponsible borrowing, and political sleight of hand. The criticism is policy- and value-based, accusing the government of favoring the wealthy and creating an injustice that could break Estonia's will to defend itself. A compromise regarding the approval of the budget is ruled out.
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political opponents are neither directly criticized nor attacked. The only criticism concerns the pace of the law's processing, expressing regret that it was not adopted before Midsummer's Day, which prevented people from preparing earlier.
2025-09-24
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing
The primary opposition is the Prime Minister and the government (the Reform Party administration), who face sharp criticism regarding both their policies (specifically tax distribution) and their personal conduct (lying to parliament). The criticism is intense and uncompromising, accusing the government of exclusively serving its own constituents and being responsible for the poor state of the nation’s economy.
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The main adversary is the government coalition, specifically the Reform Party and the Prime Minister. Criticism is aimed both at the substance of their policies (favoring cheap labor, state capitalism) and at their procedures (avoiding debate, lack of accountability, and the dragging out of legislative amendments due to the coalition). The speaker contrasts the Prime Minister's actions with Kaja Kallas’s courage to take responsibility, thereby escalating both the personal and party-level criticism.
2025-09-17
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.
The main confrontation is directed at the Reform Party-led government and the Prime Minister, who are accused of favoring the wealthy (those earning 4000+ euros) and deepening the regressive tax system. The criticism is intense and politically charged, pointing to government members and their major sponsors as the primary beneficiaries. The speaker further criticizes the government for failing to manage the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs, unlike the governments of Finland and Sweden.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
The speaker is critical of the government, particularly concerning accountability and planning, and is demanding clarification regarding the Ministry of Defence's public procurements and their strategies for reducing educational inequality. The criticism is aimed at the government's inaction or lack of adequate systemic planning, rather than being directed at individuals.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The main criticism is aimed at the government and the coalition, accusing them of making illogical exceptions and prioritizing business interests. Specific criticism is leveled at the exception made concerning civil defense shelters and the alleged arguments put forth by Kristen Michal (as prime minister). The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, challenging the arguments that served as the foundation for the government's decision-making process.
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The sharpest criticism is aimed at the Reform Party, which is accused of reducing life in Estonia to mere market logic and viewing rural residents as an expense. The Centre Party is also criticized for refusing cooperation and cozying up to the right-wing party Isamaa, thereby preventing the implementation of a progressive income tax. This criticism is mainly political-philosophical and precludes any cooperation unless the Centre Party changes its rhetoric.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
The main opponents are Prime Minister Kristen Michal and the Reform Party, who are sharply criticized for indecisiveness (regarding population protection/civil defense) and irresponsible budget policy. The criticism is intense, ranging from political substance (the debt burden) to procedural and ethical issues (the minister's presence, narrow business interests in the Competition Act). Furthermore, the information underpinning the Prime Minister's public statements is being called into question.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The main opponents are the right-wing parties that form the governing coalition (the Reform Party, Isamaa, Eesti 200). The criticism is deeply ideological and policy-driven, accusing them of creating a regressive tax system that favors the wealthy and taxes the average family. The speaker argues that replacing the Reform Party with Isamaa would not bring the necessary shift in direction in economic policy.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing
The primary opposition is directed at the Reform Party and the Prime Minister, specifically criticizing their change of stance on the competition law. The criticism is intense and centers on political discord and the recognition that earlier policies were detrimental, rather than focusing on personal attacks. The content of the draft law is also being opposed, as the speaker believes it will harm the competitive situation in Estonia.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Eesti 200, who are accused of serving narrow business interests and incompetence. Liisa-Ly Pakosta is especially criticized for bringing narrow business interests into the government. The criticism is intense, focusing on political accountability and the untruthfulness of the government's claims, particularly regarding internal security issues.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The main opponents are the Reform Party (especially concerning Kristen Michal becoming Prime Minister and the fundamental shift in his positions), Eesti 200, and Isamaa. Criticism is directed both at political decisions (regressive taxes, the Competition Act) and at procedural and ethical issues (lobbying pressure, the change in the State Chancellery’s legal assessment). It accuses the Center Party of supporting narrow business interests regarding the Competition Act.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the prime minister, who are being criticized for their Tallinn-centric and inconsistent policy regarding kindergarten places. The criticism is intense, accusing the opposition of engaging in political propaganda and maintaining total control over the Tallinn region. The speaker also points to the Reform Party's internal chaos and discord.
2025-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
The main adversary is the right-wing worldview and the Reform Party, who stand accused of making decisions that serve the business interests of a narrow circle and favor the wealthy. The criticism is intense, focusing on political consequences (the curtailing of workers' rights, budget cuts) and ethical injustice. The speaker suggests that the government's policy is geared toward serving the interests of the wealthiest 1% or 10% of Estonians.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Eesti 200 (the government), along with the Social Democrats (the Tallinn ruling coalition). They are accused of inaction and the political blocking of legislative bills. The criticism is intense, ranging from political obstruction to highlighting Prime Minister Michal’s personal aversion to a specific draft law. The speaker suggests that the opponents are unwilling to "give credit" or "allow a win" to others, even at the expense of public safety.
2025-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fifth session, plenary session
The confrontation is directed at the government and the minister, criticizing their political unwillingness to finalize infrastructure projects and the complete absence of housing solutions. The criticism is policy-driven, demanding explanations as to why the rental housing program is not moving forward and what the alternative solution is.
2025-06-02
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and the Reform Party, who stand accused of a political U-turn and suspending previous agreements (development plans). The criticism also targets the lack of political continuity and the decision to make the system (the government) dependent on a single individual. Resistance is intense, particularly concerning the reversal of social policy.
2025-05-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
Strong opposition is directed at the government and the prime minister, who are criticized for disregarding the public interest and giving excessive consideration to private interests (e.g., the business interests of Raul Kirjanen). The criticism is also aimed at the lack of formal decision-making procedures and the absence of a government filter, which allows narrow interests to shape public policy.
2025-05-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The primary opposition is directed against the tax policy of the minister and the government, which is widely viewed as ideologically driven and unjust. Criticism is intense and focuses on a political failure that places the burden squarely on the ordinary person while leaving the wealthy untouched. The opponent is also accused of being adept at defending their ideological vision.
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The main opponents are the Reform Party and its ministers (Kristen Michal, Minister Sutt), who are sharply criticized for incompetence and serving narrow business interests. The attacks are both political (turning 70% of forests into timber plantations, unfair restrictions) and personal (the "mess" created by Michal in the Ministry of Climate). The government's decision-making process is especially criticized for prioritizing business proposals (e.g., Raul Kirjanen) over the public interest.
2025-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The main adversary is the minister and the government, who are responsible for redirecting 12 million euros away from the youth sector. The criticism is policy-driven, directly attacking budget priorities and funding cuts, which are considered detrimental.
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
The criticism is aimed both at conservative forces, who are accused of opposing the security law on political rather than national grounds, and at the Reform Party. The Reform Party faces criticism for delaying decisions and catering to narrow business interests, thereby leaving competent forest managers "caught in the machinery." The criticism is mainly focused on policy and actions, not personal attacks.
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The primary confrontation is with the Reform Party, who stands accused of deliberately obstructing civil defense legislation, indecisiveness, and leaving the Minister of the Interior in a state of helplessness. A second, highly intense attack is aimed at the Centre Party, focusing on their three criminal convictions and systemic corruption (Porto Franco, Tondiraba), which targets both the political and personal levels.
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
The criticism is aimed at two camps: the government coalition led by the Reform Party (for its regressive tax policy and the deepening of inequality) and the Centre Party (for its criminal conviction and the unethical nature of its leadership of the anti-corruption commission). The attacks are intense, focusing on both political choices (taxation) and ethical and criminal shortcomings.
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker is strongly opposed to both the ruling coalition (Reform Party, Eesti 200, Isamaa) and the Centre Party. The coalition is criticized for betraying competition and the economy, and for serving lobby interests. The Centre Party is intensely accused of corruption (citing the examples of Porto Franco and Tallinn), driving future pensioners into poverty by abolishing the second pension pillar, and causing economic overheating.
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Strong opposition is directed at the Reform Party (for presenting unrealistic energy forecasts and figures) and at Isamaa (for stifling renewable energy development over the last ten years, labeling them "super-hinderers"). The criticism is intense, focusing on political incompetence and the lack of a comprehensive strategy.
2025-04-22
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The primary confrontation is directed against the "right-wing government" and the Reform Party, criticizing their ideology concerning the funding of the cultural sector. The criticism is policy-based, referencing a previous comment made by a Reform Party minister about directing cultural workers toward "productive work."
2025-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
The main adversary is the government and the prime minister, whose policies are criticized as detrimental to the Estonian worker and economic development. The criticism is both political and procedural, accusing the government of ignoring trade union warnings and overemphasizing the position of employers. The attacks are intense, claiming that the government is forcing workers to bear responsibility for business risks.
2025-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The confrontation is directed at the government and the minister, who are being criticized both for the content of the draft bill and for violating the legislative process. A particularly sharp point of contention is the failure to consult with labor market stakeholders and the lack of proper discussion. The criticism is intense and demands direct explanations.
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
The main opponents are EKRE and the Centre Party, who are being criticized for spreading false claims, such as the notion that religious freedom is being restricted. The speaker accuses them of disseminating Russian narratives and forcefully rejects their arguments, claiming that the law actually protects Orthodox believers.
2025-04-09
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
The main opponents are the government, specifically the prime minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Erkki Keldo, who introduced the bill to the Riigikogu. Criticism is aimed both at the substance of the bill (reducing employee security) and the procedure, as trade unions, the Chamber of Disabled People, and professional organizations have claimed that they were not included.
2025-03-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
None. The speaker congratulates both the newly elected Speaker of the Riigikogu and the other candidates who participated in the voting rounds, demonstrating a respectful and non-confrontational attitude.
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Isamaa, who are criticized for defining security threats based on group characteristics and for polarizing society. Isamaa is also accused of creating problems through its earlier citizenship and immigration policies. The Reform Party faces intense criticism for unethical and offensive behavior, including offering inducements to influence voting, which skirts the boundaries of illegality.
2025-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The criticism is directed at the Isamaa Party, who are accused of lacking knowledge regarding security calculations because they are not currently in government. The speaker warns against political maneuvers that could deplete the resources of Estonia’s security and defense structures and essentially hand gifts to Russia. He criticizes positions that are not based on the threat assessments provided by the security institutions.
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.
The main confrontation is aimed at the government and the prime minister, who are being criticized for avoiding specific answers and hiding behind the veil of state secrets. The criticism is policy-based, centering on the disregard for the military advice provided by the Commander of the Defence Forces and the sluggish plan for ammunition procurement. Instead of seeking compromise, the government is being demanded to implement a clear and rapid change in direction.