Funding of fixed costs for pensioner organizations
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-10-23 16:41
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 7
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 5m
AI Summaries: 7/7 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal responded to Vladimir Arhipov's question regarding the funding of permanent costs for pensioners' associations. Arhipov expressed concern that the funds directed through the NGO Golden League were not reaching to cover permanent costs, and asked why the funding of permanent costs was removed as a separate line item from the budget. The Prime Minister explained that organizations for the elderly have consistently been funded through both annual projects and small projects, and since 2020, based on the principle of strategic partnership. Michal confirmed that a new application round is coming this year, and the goals of the strategic partnership include the protection of the interests of the elderly, labor market participation, income, and the creation and maintenance of regional gatherings and operational capacity. He added that the Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo, will be meeting soon with representatives of the Estonian Association of Pensioners' Unions to discuss the details of the funding.
In a clarifying question, Arhipov cited the Swedish pension system, where pensioners are offered extensive language instruction and state-organized events, and asked about the government's strategies for improving the quality of life for Estonian pensioners. The Prime Minister reiterated the goals of the strategic partnership, emphasizing activities to promote the protection of interests, social inclusion, accessibility, and age-friendliness of society, which will continue in 2025. Michal emphasized that all these activities are aimed at ensuring the well-being and rights of the elderly.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that colleague Vladimir Arhipov will present today's ninth question to Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The topic concerns the funding of the operating costs of pensioners' associations.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov expressed concern that pensioners' associations are being financed through the NGO Kuldne Liiga (Golden League), and that the funds are being used for more than just covering fixed costs. He then asked why it wouldn't be appropriate to establish a separate budget line specifically for financing fixed costs, and why that line item has been removed.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that a new application round will take place this year, and the strategic partnership for the elderly in the next period will focus on advocacy and employment for seniors, as well as the creation and effectiveness of elderly councils within local municipalities. Furthermore, the details of the financing will be discussed with Signe Riisalo and the Estonian Association of Pensioners' Unions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Vladimir Arhipov to ask a clarifying question.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arhipov poses the question regarding the government's strategies for improving the quality of life and standard of living for pensioners, citing Sweden's experience with language instruction and state-organized events.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that funding for organizations serving the elderly will continue in 2025 through strategic partnerships (via annual projects and competition-based grants). The objective is to maintain and enhance advocacy and networking, promote employment, income, accessibility, and social inclusion, and ensure that their own initiatives receive media coverage at least once per quarter, alongside assessing future needs in cooperation with stakeholders.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman concludes the discussion of today's ninth item.