By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Läänemets
Total Sessions: 40
Fully Profiled: 40
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
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.
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government’s budget and tax policy, deeming it both unreasonable and irrational. The core objection is that the tax amendments provide unwarranted handouts to the wealthiest earners (those making 4,000–7,000 euros), while simultaneously failing to address the pressing livelihood issues faced by low-wage earners (1,000–1,400 euros). The focus remains on policy effectiveness and value-based fairness, coupled with sharp criticism of the state's growing debt burden.
2025-10-07
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The political stance is fiercely opposed to the government’s fiscal policy, highlighting the dire condition of the state budget, which stems from decreased revenues coupled with increased defense expenditures. The speaker frames this situation as irresponsible conduct leading the nation toward its worst budget in history. Particular criticism is leveled at tax amendments that channel over 100 million euros annually toward the wealthiest citizens.
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy, particularly concerning the abolition of the income tax bracket system and the introduction of the car tax. The speaker emphasizes social justice, criticizing the state budget’s generosity towards the wealthy and demanding that funds be channeled into critical social sectors such as school meals and extracurricular activities. The framework of this position is both outcome-based (citing the lack of ministerial accountability) and value-based (focusing on the reduction of inequality).
2025-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker, on behalf of the Social Democrats, expresses strong opposition to the state budget presented by the government, labeling it a budget of deceit and disarray. The political position is intensely value-driven, focusing on social justice, the reduction of inequality, and responsible governance. The main viewpoint is that the budget serves the approval rating of the Reform Party, rather than the genuine needs of society, thereby increasing divisions and alienating the populace from the state.
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
The political focus is heavily centered on national security and civil defense, emphasizing the critical importance of readiness in crisis situations. The speaker strongly backs the adoption of the Civil Defense Act, viewing it as a historic decision that has been anticipated for 30 years. This stance is policy-driven, drawing upon international experience and lessons learned, particularly the recommendations received from Ukraine.
2025-09-24
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's tax amendments, criticizing them for causing social injustice and worsening the state budget. The main emphasis is placed on a values-based framework, arguing that the state unjustifiably supports the wealthiest 10% while abandoning those struggling to make ends meet. The speaker accuses the government of pursuing a populist and economically destructive fiscal policy.
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on opposing the policies of the right-wing government, particularly concerning labor exploitation, the deepening of social inequality, and irresponsible fiscal policy. The most pressing issues are flexible employment contracts, state capitalism (the Swedish prisoners issue), and the preferential treatment of the wealthy in tax policy. The political framework is clearly value-based, defending the working person and social justice.
2025-09-17
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.
The political position is strongly social-democratic and value-based, focusing on opposing the regressiveness inherent in the current tax system. The speaker firmly advocates for lowering the VAT on foodstuffs to improve the financial stability of low-wage earners (those earning 1400 euros), thereby standing in direct opposition to government policies that favor the wealthy. Furthermore, he sharply criticizes the abolition of the tax hump as a measure that actively exacerbates inequality.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
The political focus is centered on the transparency and accountability of public procurement within the Ministry of Defence, sharply demanding information regarding ongoing police investigations. A second major focus is on improving the quality and equity of the education system, requiring state intervention to incentivize teacher mobility and create housing solutions aimed at reducing regional disparities. The speaker's approach is results-oriented, demanding concrete steps and plans from the government.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker adopts a strongly oppositional stance, focusing on criticizing the logic and priorities behind the government's decisions. The main issues addressed are ensuring public safety (the mandatory construction of shelters) and social policy (the rescheduling of national holidays). They criticize the government for granting exceptions regarding the construction of shelters in apartment buildings, suspecting that the interests of businessmen are being prioritized over public safety. Their political position is geared towards exposing the illogical nature of the government's actions and arguments.
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker firmly advocates for a value-based policy that stands in contrast to market logic, stressing that the life of every Estonian person is valuable, regardless of their location. Key issues include the accessibility of regional services (such as post offices) and the urgent need to close the legal vacuum surrounding socially sensitive topics (end-of-life issues). The political framework is strongly value-based and centered on social cohesion and preserving public trust in the state.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
The faction is heavily focused on rapidly advancing civil defense and stimulating the economy by reducing VAT on essential foodstuffs. Criticism directed at the government is intense, centering on the Prime Minister’s indecisiveness regarding security issues and the government’s irresponsible fiscal policy. The political framework is strongly geared toward improving the state's performance and ensuring citizens' well-being.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker is a representative of the Social Democratic Party, who is in strong opposition to the government's tax package, viewing it as a continuation of 30 years of right-wing economic policy that is leading the country down a dead end. Their political position is strongly value-based, focusing on social justice, reducing inequality, and ensuring the livelihood of the average Estonian family. They support the direction of the education reform that incentivizes teachers to gain qualifications, and they prioritize state investment in police resources and cybersecurity.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing
The political focus is on exposing the Reform Party's shift in position regarding the draft Competition Act, a bill previously deemed detrimental to the Estonian state, businesses, and consumers. The speaker is vehemently opposed to the current version of the law, which, in their view, does not contribute to improving the competitive landscape. The core issue being raised targets the lack of political consistency and trustworthiness.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political position is strongly oppositional, manifested by supporting the motion of no confidence for three reasons: competition law that serves narrow business interests, the inadequate response to the Pihlakodu case, and the acceptance of Swedish prisoners. The criticism is aimed at the government's activities and the minister's lack of political accountability, emphasizing that the government's actions are not in the best interests of the Estonian people and entrepreneurs. This is primarily performance-based criticism, relying on insider knowledge.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
There is strong opposition to the right-wing government, which is accused of continuing the 30-year-long neoliberal policies that have driven the Estonian economy into stagnation and exacerbated inequality. A fundamental shift in direction is being demanded toward a fairer economic and tax policy that would ensure the equitable distribution of wealth. The political framework is clearly value-based, centered on social justice and ensuring people's livelihood.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing.
The political focus is on the accessibility and funding of early childhood education. The speaker strongly supports making kindergarten places free nationwide to prevent children in Tallinn from being disadvantaged and to avoid administrative chaos. This stance is aimed at criticizing the Reform Party's partial solution, which has caused problems among municipalities.
2025-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
The political stance is strongly oppositional to the ruling right-wing ideology and the Reform Party. Key issues include social inequality, the protection of workers' rights, and adequate funding for the justice system. These positions are deeply value-based, stressing the prioritization of public interests over narrow commercial interests. The speaker opposes policies that favor the wealthy and impose cuts at the expense of the average Estonian family.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political focus is centered on criticizing the inaction of the government and the Tallinn city administration regarding their failure to ensure public safety and fair competition. The speaker stresses that the government is blocking necessary legislative amendments by claiming that "everything is fine," which suggests politically motivated obstructionism. The speaker's stance is strongly confrontational and focuses on the government's poor performance and political gamesmanship.
2025-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fifth session, plenary session
The political focus is heavily directed towards the issue of housing affordability, stressing that wage growth has failed to keep pace with home prices. Criticism targets the government's lack of decisiveness regarding infrastructure projects (the Rohuküla railway) and the absence of a clear alternative solution following the termination of the rental housing program. The speaker demands concrete, policy-based solutions from the government to address socio-economic problems.
2025-06-02
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
The political stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing justice, state trustworthiness, and social guarantees. The speaker firmly opposes pooling funds designated for extracurricular activities and criticizes the view of welfare services as merely a business. He/she considers the decline in public trust toward the state apparatus a direct security threat. The upholding of constitutional values is emphasized when shaping policy.
2025-05-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
The political focus is on the transparency of government decision-making processes and the balancing of public interest against private interests, especially in forestry policy. The speaker strongly opposes the government’s decision to adopt a proposal that would convert 70% of Estonian forests into commercial forests without any proper consultation process. This position targets both procedural correctness and the fundamental valuing of nature conservation.
2025-05-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, particularly the permanent implementation of the increased value-added tax (VAT). The most crucial issue highlighted is the unfairness of the tax system and its negative impact on the ability of the average Estonian family to cope financially. The stance is highly critical, framing the government's actions as ideologically driven rather than beneficial to the public.
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing its criticism on forestry policy (reducing logging volumes, expanding private property owners' rights) and energy policy (the economic irrationality of nuclear energy). The policy framework is value-based, emphasizing public interest and the protection of the ordinary Estonian citizen against narrow business interests. The speaker opposes the government's plan to convert 70% of Estonian forests into timber plantations and demands investment certainty.
2025-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s plan to redirect 12 million euros from the youth sector to national defense, particularly for infrastructure construction. The speaker’s primary concern is the deepening of educational inequality and the reduction of funding for extracurricular education. This stance is clearly policy-driven, emphasizing the prioritization of youth development and the resolution of social issues.
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
The political position is strongly focused on ensuring Estonian security, backing a draft law aimed at legally severing the relationship of subordination with the Kremlin and Patriarch Kirill. The position is critical of the government (the Reform Party), accusing them of serving narrow business interests and delaying crucial decisions, which ultimately harms ordinary citizens. The overall political framework is a blend of security values and criticism of the government's performance.
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political position is strongly focused on civil defense and social security. The speaker supports the draft bill concerning vital service providers but sharply criticizes the Reform Party and the prime minister for stalling large-scale civil defense measures (shelters, hazard notification system), accusing them of indecisiveness. He/She also opposes the government's labor market policy because, in the context of the casual wage draft bill, it creates insecurity for people. The political framework is a mix of value-based criticism (security above all) and results-based criticism (government inaction).
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
The political focus is heavily centered on economic inequality and the general livelihood of the populace, criticizing government policies that exacerbate the unjust distribution of wealth. The speaker is calling for the establishment of social balance and progressive taxation, while also sharply raising issues of corruption and political ethics, particularly concerning political parties that have faced criminal convictions. His views are strongly oppositional, directed both against the government's economic policy and the ethical deficiencies found within certain opposition parties.
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker holds strong social democratic positions, advocating for free competition, workers' rights, and ensuring the livelihood of the elderly. He/She emphatically stresses the necessity of easing the economic burden on the average family, supporting both a reduction in VAT on foodstuffs and a robust regional industrial policy. The political framework is heavily focused on criticizing the government's actions, particularly concerning the serving of lobby interests and corruption.
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The central theme revolves around energy policy and security. The speaker strongly challenges the government’s fragmented approach and dismisses the myth that developing nuclear or oil shale energy would somehow be free. They advocate for a combined energy system (keeping oil shale in reserve) and stress that the government’s failure to maintain a holistic vision is a major error that will prove very costly to the economy. The stance taken is firmly rooted in policy and focused on tangible results.
2025-04-22
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The political stance is strongly pro-culture and opposes the government's austerity measures. The speaker stresses that Estonian culture cannot be put on hold, prioritizing the necessity of raising the wages of cultural workers. This is a value-based position, highlighting the importance of culture over economic productivity and expressing concern about the future strain on the state budget.
2025-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
The political stance is strongly oppositional to the government's plans regarding labor flexibility and the funding of higher education. The primary objectives are aimed at protecting the financial security of the average family and worker, and ensuring access to lifelong learning. The framework is value-based, highlighting the contradiction between the welfare of the Estonian worker and the state's economic policy goals (the smart economy). The speaker criticizes the government for setting priorities that pull the rug out from under families.
2025-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's proposed bill regarding the flexibility of employment contracts and wage security. The primary concern highlighted is the potential loss of people's ability to cope and their financial security, which would subsequently impact their creditworthiness and social benefits. This position is clearly value-based, aimed at protecting the social security of workers.
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
The political focus is strongly directed toward ensuring national security and repelling Russia’s aggressive influence through legislation. The speaker firmly supports the draft bill aimed at severing the ties between the religious organization operating in Estonia and the Kremlin and the Moscow Patriarchate. This position is value-based, emphasizing that religious freedom does not outweigh security concerns; rather, they must be considered concurrently.
2025-04-09
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
The political stance is one of strong opposition to the government's proposed amendments to the Employment Contracts Act, which grant employers the unprecedented right to reduce employees' guaranteed workload and income. The focus is on social justice and ensuring job security for workers, particularly vulnerable groups, and the position is deeply rooted in core values. The speaker stresses that this amendment affects every employee in Estonia working under an employment contract.
2025-03-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The most prominent political position is value-based support for the rule of law, the freedom of every individual, and parliamentary democracy. The specific action focuses on nominating a candidate for Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu, emphasizing the need for a fresh perspective in parliamentary leadership. The position is moderately progressive, stressing institutional benefit.
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political focus is on amending the constitution concerning the voting rights of foreign nationals in local elections, particularly those who are citizens of Russia and Belarus. The Social Democrats support revoking their voting rights but stress that any security threat must be assessed individually, rather than being defined by group characteristics (such as citizenship or ethnicity). The party will vote in favor of the urgent constitutional amendment in order to end the societal polarization created by Isamaa and the Reform Party. At the same time, they will vote against amendments that equate stateless persons with Russian and Belarusian citizens.
2025-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The political focus is heavily centered on the security and defense of the eastern border against Russian hybrid threats. The speaker supports robust and strategic defense measures (such as the drone wall and the PPA crisis reserve) but opposes closing the border out of panic, emphasizing that Estonia must not become a "weak and cowardly state." This stance is grounded in performance and policy, highlighting the previous government's achievements and the necessity of basing actions on the threat assessments provided by security institutions.
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.
The most critical issue is the accelerated funding of national defense and security. The political stance is one of strong support for the military recommendation made by the Commander of the Defense Forces to purchase 1.6 billion euros worth of ammunition over three years, rather than seven years. This position is clearly results-oriented, emphasizing the urgent need to rapidly achieve the necessary defense capabilities.