Riigikogu member Lauri Laats proposes linking parliamentary salary to attendance

Centre Party Riigikogu member Lauri Laats posted on social media about a draft law that would tie parliamentary members' salaries to their attendance at plenary sessions. The post went viral quickly and generated numerous both supportive and critical comments.

Centre Party faction member Lauri Laats sparked a wide-ranging debate on social media by announcing a draft law that would link Riigikogu members' salaries to their participation in plenary sessions and committee work. "If you don't go to work, you shouldn't get full pay," was the core message of Laats's post, which rapidly attracted thousands of reactions.

Laats's post generated considerable comments within hours, with some enthusiastically supporting the idea while others responded with irony or criticism. Sceptics pointed out that a Riigikogu member's work is not limited to sitting in the chamber: representative duties, constituent engagement, and bill preparation often take place outside of formal sessions.

Under current rules, Riigikogu members receive a monthly salary regardless of how many sessions they attend. Laats himself has stated that the draft law aims to increase transparency and accountability, with parliamentary members expected to meet voters' expectations in fulfilling their duties.

If the draft law reaches the Riigikogu, it will likely spark heated debate. Similar mechanisms are already in use in several other countries' parliaments, but in Estonia this would be a novel approach to maintaining work discipline among MPs.