Government's attitude towards pensioners
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-10-23 16:05
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 11m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Within the framework of the sixth question, the Riigikogu discussed the government's attitude towards pensioner groups regarding a question directed to the Prime Minister. The question was presented by Vadim Belobrovtsev, who highlighted several steps and decisions that may affect pensioners: changes to the tax exemption for the average old-age pension, consideration of indexing pensions or suspending it, and changes to the Social Insurance Board's payments, which cause great stress for pensioners. The discussion also touched upon the involvement of pensioners and ensuring a stable way of life in the context of financing public organizations.
The second part addressed the rhetorical response – the government representative's explanation of the government's principles: while cuts are being made, they are limited to only a few essential areas (defense capabilities, police and teacher salaries), and pensions remain a priority. Changes related to the payment of old-age pensions and the conditions for paying taxes highlighted the need for discussion and how the state must ensure the satisfaction and security of pensioners with investments in new IT solutions and systems. Furthermore, the log of strategic cooperation projects for the elderly was highlighted, including funding for the Golden League and the Association of Estonian Pensioner Associations, as well as plans for the future until 2025, including the opening of new application rounds and opportunities for participation.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made in this section.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was the prime minister, who represents a ruling member of the Reform Party and whose viewpoints leaned toward the right-wing political spectrum. He led the discussion and presented both calm numerical evidence and political explanations regarding the government's approach to pensioners.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev asked the Prime Minister how the government is treating pensioners.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev is accusing the government of cynically targeting pensioners, pointing out that the coalition had promised to keep the average old-age pension exempt from income tax but later reversed that decision. Furthermore, the government is now considering abolishing pension indexation and changing the payment schedule, which is causing additional stress for the elderly.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that the government has a very positive attitude toward pensioners and is not planning any pension cuts. She noted that pensions have increased in recent years, and the average pension is expected to reach about 813 euros in 2025, even as the opposition and the Isamaa party have announced their intention to make cuts.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Vadim Belobrovtsev to pose a clarifying question.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev is accusing the government and state agencies regarding both the restoration of the income tax exemption for pensions and the subsequent delays in paying them out. He claims that this situation causes significant inconvenience for the elderly and reflects poor organizational management, questioning whether our senior citizens truly deserve this kind of treatment.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that the income tax exemption for pensions had been abolished with the help of Isamaa during Jüri Ratas’s government. He also highlighted the ratio of pensions to wages and the growth in purchasing power, and noted that next year, pension payments might fall on weekends. He stressed the necessity of investing in IT systems so that pension disbursements are not dependent on the day of the week.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the previous speaker and asks Vladimir Arkhipov to present a supplementary question.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov points out that the quality of life for pensioners is poor, and the fixed cost support allocated to pensioners' associations this year is zero euros. While they are able to secure funding through projects, this doesn't cover day-to-day expenses, such as rent for their premises, and he is asking for an explanation as to why this is the situation.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The state supported the development of the representation and advocacy network for the elderly through a strategic partnership with the Golden League. The total cost of this project is 733,333 euros (with a grant of approximately 660,000 euros). This initiative will continue in 2025 with a new application round, for which the Estonian Association of Pensioners' Unions is also eligible to apply.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and concludes the consideration of today's sixth question.