First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Social Welfare Act and Other Acts (732 SE)
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-10-15 20:27
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 26
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 36m
AI Summaries: 26/26 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu held the first reading of Bill 732, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Social Welfare Act and other acts. The purpose of the bill is to make the application process for subsistence benefits clearer and fairer, to enable remote sign language interpretation and writing interpretation services for people with hearing loss through permanent state funding, and to specify the obligations of care service providers regarding the provision of hygiene supplies. Furthermore, the establishment of the payment rate for the benefit for pensioners living alone will be made more flexible, and the Social Insurance Board will be authorized to expand the functions of the pension calculator (including the third pillar). Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller emphasized that the changes to the subsistence benefit system, which affect approximately 28,000 people, will reduce bureaucracy and support 18–19-year-old students.
Several critical questions were raised during the debate. Rain Epler (EKRE) challenged the amendment in the bill that replaces "dignified livelihood" with "primary subsistence" in the basis for calculating the subsistence benefit, arguing that this lowers the social standard. Helmen Kütt (SDE) focused on two concerns: first, that the text of the law lacks a provision regarding the savings limit (two subsistence limits, or 440 euros for a person living alone), which she considers too small an amount (the so-called "coffin money") and creates insecurity among people. Secondly, Kütt asked about the legalization and funding of audio description services for the visually impaired, which the bill does not include. Signe Riisalo, Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, confirmed that an increase in the subsistence limit is planned for the coming years and that the methodology for the subsistence minimum is currently under review.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Bill 732 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for October 29th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
Helmen Kütt (Social Democratic Party faction, left) was notably active during the sitting, raising several substantive questions concerning both services for the hearing impaired and the savings thresholds for applying for subsistence benefits. Furthermore, she delivered a critical address on behalf of her faction, stressing the necessity of more precise legal codification of social norms.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Riigikogu session proceeded to the fourth item on the agenda, which was the first reading of Draft Act 732, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Social Welfare Act and other acts. This procedural step marks the beginning of a significant reform in the social sector within the parliament, signaling the government's intent to modernize and amend the current social system. The bill in question involves a comprehensive overhaul of the Social Welfare Act, indicating the necessity of addressing existing bottlenecks in the current system and improving the accessibility of social services. Social Minister Karmen Joller was requested to serve as the rapporteur for the first reading of the bill. Her task was to introduce the government's positions, explain the objectives of the planned amendments, and provide an overview of the bill’s substance. The initiation of the first reading of Draft Act 732 provides members of the Riigikogu with the opportunity to review the government's proposals and commence a wide-ranging debate on the future of social welfare in Estonia. This constitutes the first stage in a longer legislative process that will define the accessibility and quality of social services going forward.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The bill aims to amend the Social Welfare Act and several related acts, linking these changes to the 2026 state budget. The primary focus is making the subsistence benefit system clearer, more efficient, and fairer, based on audits conducted by the National Audit Office and feedback from local governments. The amendments affect approximately 28,000 people, particularly low-income families and families with children. A significant enhancement is the support for 18–19-year-old students, who will henceforth receive the higher child allowance rate for a longer period (up to the age of 19), offering families over 100 euros of additional monthly support starting in April 2027. Furthermore, a child’s actual living arrangements will be taken into account in cases of alternating residence, and bureaucracy will be reduced by standardizing the application process and utilizing national registers. Another major area of change concerns people with hearing loss. Starting in January 2026, remote sign language interpretation and writing interpretation services will be transferred from external funding to permanent state funding, ensuring the availability of these services for daily living. The obligations of care service providers regarding the provision of aids are clarified: general hygiene aids must be provided by the service provider, while individual aids (e.g., diapers) must be provided by the person themselves. Changes related to the pension system focus on creating equal rights and increasing awareness. The Social Insurance Board will be authorized to perform pension calculator functions, adding third pillar data to the existing first and second pillar information available on the eesti.ee environment. This provides people with a more realistic overview of their future pension and motivates them to save. Additionally, equal treatment is ensured regarding mandatory funded pension contributions, where the state will begin supporting individuals with partial or no work ability in contributing to the second pillar.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The text provided is not an independent speech but a brief procedural note by the Chairman of the Riigikogu session, marking the transition from one stage of the debate to the next. Consequently, the text contains no substantive arguments or political positions that require summarizing. The primary content of the note was the technical management of the session and adherence to the agenda. The speaker began by thanking the preceding presenter, followed by an announcement that questions had been submitted to the speaker. This indicates that the substantive presentation or debate had concluded and the question-and-answer round was commencing. This phrasing confirms that the parliamentary work is proceeding according to the established order, where presentations must be followed by an opportunity to pose questions. Finally, the session chairman invited the next scheduled speaker, Helmen Kütt, to the rostrum, yielding the floor to her. In conclusion, this was a technical management action guiding the discussion forward to the next speaker, rather than a substantive political statement.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The honorable speaker began his address by recalling White Cane Safety Day, observed on October 15th and dedicated to the visually impaired, and emphasized the historical background of this aid for the blind in France. He expressed satisfaction that remote sign language interpretation and real-time captioning services are being legalized and funded, calling this an excellent step. However, the speaker sharply highlighted a deficiency in the bill under discussion: services intended for the visually impaired, particularly audio description, have been completely omitted. He stressed that audio description is extremely important for the visually impaired, but it has neither been written into the bill nor funded. Finally, the speaker posed a question to the Minister, asking when the legalization and funding of this crucial service would be addressed.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The speaker acknowledged the substantive feedback presented earlier in the committee regarding the issue of accessibility, and felt that this discussion absolutely needed to be taken up in parliament. He emphasized that accessibility remains a very significant problem in Estonia, one that requires serious consideration. The speaker also referenced White Cane Safety Day, which had apparently inspired him to reflect on the importance of the topic. Although he couldn't provide a concrete answer at the moment, he promised to definitely raise the issue in his "house"—meaning parliament or the relevant ministry—and follow up on it.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
It should be noted that the provided text, "Rain Epler, please!" is merely a procedural phrase used to summon the speaker to the podium. It does not contain the substance, arguments, or viewpoints of a parliamentary speech that could be meaningfully summarized. This is an introductory remark used during the chairing of a Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) session, not a presentation or address delivered by Rain Epler himself. Consequently, it is impossible to draft a 2–3-paragraph summary of Rain Epler's speech, as the text of the speech itself is unavailable. To create a summary that accurately reflects the main themes and arguments, the complete content of the presentation or address given by Epler before the Riigikogu would be required.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
A member of the Riigikogu (Parliament) addressed the Minister to seek clarification regarding the proposed amendment to the law concerning the basis for calculating subsistence benefits and related social standards. Central to the inquiry was Section 133, Subsection 6 of the current law, which currently stipulates that the cost limits established when determining subsistence benefits must ensure a dignified existence for the individual and their family members. The draft bill proposes replacing this crucial provision with the phrase "primary livelihood." The questioner sharply stressed that this constitutes a significant lowering of the bar, as a dignified existence and primary livelihood are fundamentally different concepts, the latter referring to a lower social standard. The Minister was demanded to provide a clear justification for why the government deems it necessary to implement this change, which lowers the social standard.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The speaker addressed the complexity of funding the social sector and determining benefits, emphasizing that the concept of "decent living" is subjective and debatable. He highlighted the universal truth that there is never enough money in the social and healthcare sectors. Therefore, the determination of social benefits cannot be based on emotions; instead, decisions must be grounded in data and the state's actual financial capabilities. The speaker considered it a very important message and achievement that the subsistence benefit has been successfully raised to match the absolute poverty line, ensuring people receive support at least at this critical threshold. In addition to financial aid, the speaker stressed the importance of services. Assistance in the social sector is not limited only to money but also includes services provided both through local governments and the Social Insurance Board, as well as through the contribution of civil society (NGOs and good people). The speaker emphasized that services are just as important as financial support. Finally, he stated that although the benefit could naturally always be higher—a point with which he agreed—the current level of support reflects the state's present capabilities and capacity.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The text provided is a protocol entry from a Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) session. It does not contain the substance of the speech itself, but merely the address by the presiding officer granting the floor to Eero Merilind. The focus is thus on the procedural moment marking the start of the speaker's address. Since the text is limited solely to the phrase, "Eero Merilind, the floor is yours!" (or "Eero Merilind, palun!"), it is impossible to summarize the topics he addressed, his main arguments, or his political positions. There are no references whatsoever to legislation, government activity, the budget, or any other topical issues typically characteristic of Riigikogu speeches. In conclusion, it can be stated that this is merely an introduction preceding the substantive presentation or debate. Therefore, an analysis of the speech's content and its main messages cannot be performed based on this text.
Eero Merilind
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
During the respected session of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), a crucial question was raised concerning the accessibility and scope expansion of remote interpreting and sign language interpreting services. The speaker addressed the minister to clarify whether these vital services, which help ensure equal access to information and services, could also be utilized in primary healthcare, specifically during general practitioner (family doctor) appointments. This question underscores the necessity of ensuring that no individual is deprived of essential medical services due to a language barrier or hearing impairment. Expanding remote and sign language interpretation services to general practitioners would significantly enhance the quality of life and healthcare accessibility for those who would otherwise face communication difficulties in critical situations. Thus, the main objective of the address was to explore the feasibility and the political will required to integrate these services into routine primary healthcare.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The speaker emphasized that the use of specific applications and aids must stem from a direct necessity, and their primary target group is individuals with hearing difficulties. Although these applications are intended for the patient, family doctors themselves bear the responsibility of finding ways and means to improve communication with their deaf patients. The flexibility in using these applications is crucial, allowing them to be implemented where the patient needs them most. The speaker highlighted a personal experience, noting that they personally learned sign language and tried finger spelling to improve communication with the deaf patients on their roster. Even limited skills proved helpful, confirming that the efforts of professionals in overcoming communication barriers are important and valuable. It is essential to understand that these specific aids are primarily intended for the patient's personal use and can be applied according to their individual needs.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The submitted text does not contain the content of Helmen Kütt’s parliamentary speech; it merely references her being called to the speaker’s podium. The phrase "Helmen Kütt, please!" is a typical procedural phrase used in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) when yielding the floor, indicating that the speaker is ready to begin their address. Consequently, there is no material available to compile a summary of substantive arguments or main topics. Since the actual speech text is absent, it is impossible to analyze or summarize the topics Helmen Kütt might have addressed, whether those were social policy, discussion of draft legislation, or criticism of government actions. The summary must therefore be limited to acknowledging that the speaker was called, but her specific viewpoints and political arguments were excluded from the submitted text. For this reason, it is not possible to fulfill the request for a 2–3 paragraph summary detailing the speech’s substantive points and arguments. In this instance, the provided material consists only of the speaker’s name and the invitation, which precedes every parliamentary presentation.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker addressed the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), expressing concern regarding the text of the draft bill under discussion. They drew attention to the fact that although "decent livelihood" had been replaced by "basic subsistence" in the draft legislation, one critically important provision was missing from the body of the law itself. This crucial stipulation was only written on page 13 of the explanatory memorandum and concerned the recommended sum for ensuring a family's financial coping ability. The missing provision stipulates that the sum required to ensure a family's subsistence is two times the subsistence level. The speaker emphasized that since the subsistence benefit is direct state financial aid for those in need, this criterion must be fixed within the text of the law, not merely in the explanatory memorandum. They referenced a previous precedent where a similar situation led to the Chancellor of Justice appealing to the Supreme Court, stressing the need to avoid legal ambiguity and ensure the legal bindingness of social assistance norms. Therefore, the speaker demanded that the provision concerning two times the subsistence level be added to the text of the law, even though they personally considered that sum to be too small in reality.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The speaker stresses that the parliament’s desire and focus must absolutely be on providing greater support for people, especially those facing hardship. This is an area the speaker would welcome and one that should be pursued, given that in the social sphere, needs invariably outweigh the state's capacity to meet them. At the same time, it is highlighted that support is not limited solely to direct financial payouts; contributions are also made in the form of services. While there is a desire to increase support for people, attention is drawn to the fact that the precise calculation of the value of services and the methodology used for this is a complex issue in its own right, requiring separate consideration. It is important to remember that contributions are made on multiple fronts, although the available resources must always be assessed realistically.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
It must be noted that the provided text, "Rain Epler, palun!" is merely an introduction or an invitation for the speaker to approach the Riigikogu (Parliament) rostrum. It does not contain Rain Epler's actual parliamentary speech or its substance. Consequently, it is impossible to provide a summary of his arguments, positions, or the topics he would have presented to the members of parliament. To compile a summary, Rain Epler's full presentation would be required in order to identify his main political messages, whether they concern the economy, national defense, social policy, or any other current issue. Without the substantive text, the summary inevitably cannot be produced, as there is no material available for analysis or for drawing conclusions.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker raised the question regarding the establishment of the payment rate for the pensioner benefit and the clarity of the grounds for this in the legal amendments. He referred to the amendments to Section 1393, which contain two interconnected but potentially contradictory points. Firstly, the text of the law seems to indicate that the benefit rate should be based on an indicator from the Statistical Office, such as 1.2 times the base amount. On the other hand, it is stipulated that this rate is to be set by the minister responsible for the respective field. It remained unclear to the speaker whether the minister is obliged to take into account this 1.2-fold rate derived from the Statistical Office indicator, or whether the minister has the full discretion to use it merely as a recommendatory basis. He requested clarification on the extent of the minister's discretion and whether the multiplier stipulated in the law is binding on the minister.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The address, comprising just a single word—"Must"—was exceptionally resolute and forceful in its brevity. This minimalist yet weighty declaration conveyed an urgent necessity for action, stressing that a crucial step or decision is unavoidable and brooks no delay. Although the speech offered no specific details, its objective was clearly aimed at directing Parliament's attention to a matter demanding an immediate and mandatory resolution. It functioned more as a summons to take responsibility than as a substantive discussion. The word "Must" characterizes a political moment where the speaker perceives a problem demanding a solution, one that can no longer be ignored. It hints at a hidden but powerful argument: that previous inaction or indecisiveness has reached a critical threshold. Although concrete proposals detailing what this "must" entails were absent—be it budget reform, strengthening security, or alleviating social tensions—the tone was unwavering: the obligation must be fulfilled and responsibility must be assumed. This presentation requires listeners themselves to establish the context and infer the urgent course of action, underscoring the unavoidable duty facing the members of Parliament.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In the Riigikogu speech, questions were raised regarding the clarity of the draft bill's wording and the substance of its actual enactment. The speaker emphasized that if an obligation is stipulated, it should be clearly worded as "shall" or "must." Specifically, questions arose concerning what the bill actually establishes if signing pertains to something that is automatically calculated—this appeared to be a meaningless activity. A second, and more significant, criticism concerned the reduction of the Riigikogu's role in lawmaking. If, according to the draft bill, a certain statute does not actually have to be followed, then the Riigikogu's role is effectively excluded from a specific expenditure line. The speaker demanded clarification of the amendment to understand why the Riigikogu is being excluded from the decision-making process concerning certain financial obligations or calculations.
Sotsiaalminister Karmen Joller
AI Summary
The speaker explained the lowering of the decision-making level for fixing pension rates, which is being moved from the government level to the ministerial level. The main goal of the change is to streamline the process and reduce bureaucracy. It was emphasized that bringing the decision-making authority lower ensures that necessary decisions can be made faster, and people can receive their pensions with the changed rate sooner, which is directly in the interest of the public. At the same time, it was stressed that although the fixing process will become less bureaucratic, the basis for calculating the pension remains set in law. The law defines that the pension is always indexed upwards and the pension never decreases. The Riigikogu (Parliament) retains its right to intervene, but this is done through changing the law—meaning the parliament still has the authority to change how the pension calculation procedure is generally defined.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
At the Riigikogu sitting, the conclusion of the preceding discussion phase was noted, during which members of parliament had posed their questions and received answers. The presiding officer announced that the question round had been exhausted, and thanked the speakers for their contributions. This concluded the previous item on the agenda, and attention was then shifted to the next important stage. The proceedings then moved on to the results of the substantive discussion held in the lead committee. To present this summary, Signe Riisalo, the Chair of the Social Affairs Committee, was invited to the podium. Riisalo’s task was to provide Parliament with an overview of the committee's work, presenting the main positions and conclusions reached following the thorough consideration of the bill or topic at the committee level. This marked the transition to presenting the results of the committee's work to the plenary session.
Signe Riisalo
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Social Affairs Committee discussed the draft bill concerning the amendment of the Social Welfare Act and other acts, making consensus decisions regarding bringing the bill to the plenary session agenda and the deadline for submitting amendments. The substantive discussion focused primarily on the size and fairness of the subsistence level, regarding which there was initially a slight confusion in the committee due to the slides presented. The Minister confirmed that the subsistence benefit limit for the first adult is 200 euros. According to the draft bill, the subsistence level will be raised by 20 euros via the state budget act draft bill, based on the living minimum methodology, to ensure people remain above the absolute poverty line. The state budget strategy also foresees further increases for the coming years. Critical attention was paid to the limit of the protected savings amount for the elderly, which they are allowed to possess without jeopardizing their eligibility for subsistence benefits. The current limit of 440 euros received widespread criticism in the committee, as it was deemed shamefully small considering modern costs, including funeral expenses. The Committee agreed that this topic should be addressed separately, as raising it would improve people's sense of security without significantly impacting the state budget. Furthermore, the methodology for calculating the support for a single pensioner was clarified, where the calculation based on statistical data might differ slightly between budget planning and the issuance of the regulation; going forward, the regulation will be issued by the Minister to avoid confusion. The Committee also confirmed that payments into the second pension pillar for people with reduced working capacity remain justified, as the existence of multiple pension pillars ensures better financial security in old age. Regarding the sign language interpretation service, it was specified that interpretation services for the sign language used in Estonia will be ensured.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
During the Riigikogu session, a round of debates was opened for the parliamentary groups, following the phase dedicated to posing questions. The Board first gave the floor to the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction, Helmen Kütt. The speaker requested additional time for her address in order to thoroughly present the faction's positions. The Riigikogu Board granted this request, allocating Helmen Kütt an extra three minutes to present her arguments.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech in the Riigikogu focused on Bill 732 concerning amendments to the Social Welfare Act and other acts. The speaker welcomed the positive changes accompanying the bill, such as replacing "a dignified livelihood" with "primary coping ability." At the same time, he/she highlighted two significant concerns. Firstly, the omission of the savings threshold considered when applying for subsistence benefit from the text of the law. This recommended amount, which equals two subsistence limits, is only included in the explanatory memorandum, which, in the speaker's assessment, contradicts the principle of legality. This legal shortcoming creates the risk that local governments, when fulfilling a state task, might start interpreting the provisions of the law restrictively or imposing new additional requirements, a danger against which the Supreme Court has previously warned. The second, and substantive, problem is the extreme inadequacy of the savings threshold. The limit set for a person living alone (400 euros today, 440 euros from the new year) is insufficient, as it does not cover even the cheapest funeral costs, or the so-called "coffin money," which starts at 700–800 euros. The speaker emphasized that such a low limit calls into question the state's goal of encouraging saving and the creation of an emergency fund. The 770-euro limit for a four-person family is unrealistic and forces people to withdraw their savings from the bank and keep them at home, creating security risks. The low limit prevents people (for example, upon becoming unemployed) from using accumulated savings to cover unexpected expenses, such as a broken refrigerator, forcing them to immediately apply for subsistence benefit, instead of helping them independently overcome a difficult situation. Thus, the problem lies both in the absence of the norm in the text of the law and the unrealistically small size of the limit.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
At the Riigikogu session, the floor was granted to the representative of the Estonian Reform Party faction to begin presenting the faction's positions or to initiate a debate on the agenda item. Specifically, Signe Riisalo was called to the podium, marking the start of her official address. This procedural step is the standard way for factions in parliament to introduce their political views and arguments before the plenary. It must be stressed that the text provided is purely introductory and procedural, containing only the speaker’s name and party affiliation. Consequently, it is impossible to summarize the content, main arguments, or political messages of the speech to be delivered by Riisalo, as they are not included in this text. The summary is therefore limited solely to the fact that the Reform Party faction has been given the floor and their representative has commenced speaking.
Signe Riisalo
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker began by emphasizing the importance of the social sector and expressed satisfaction that the government has taken a significant step toward ensuring basic subsistence. In particular, the government was commended for planning resources in the state budget strategy to maintain the minimum subsistence level, or the absolute poverty line, not just for the next year, but for four years running. This is critically important, as previous one-off increases have proven complicated—the adjustment of the subsistence threshold must be a continuous and, ideally, automatic process. In addition to long-term funding, the need to update the methodology for calculating the minimum subsistence level, which is currently outdated, was also addressed. At the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the applied research center CentAR is currently reviewing the methodology, which is expected to be completed next spring and provide an adequate basis for the future definition of the subsistence threshold. Significant changes have also been introduced into the draft bill regarding the determination of the subsistence allowance, such as assessing the applicant's assets only upon the fourth application. This protects people experiencing temporary difficulties, although the speaker agreed that for long-term benefit recipients, this so-called "peace of mind" resource (asset limit) could be higher than the current 440 euros per family member. Finally, the speaker was pleased that the stability of remote interpreting services for people with hearing loss has been secured, as foreign funding has been replaced by state budget financing. The speaker thanked the government for the draft bill and affirmed that the law can be further improved during the amendment process.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The first reading of draft bill 732 was concluded at the Riigikogu sitting, following the corresponding proposal from the leading committee. Since there were no further requests to speak, the presiding officer closed the debates and declared the first reading concluded. Subsequently, the deadline for submitting amendments to draft bill 732 was set. Members must submit their proposals for amendment no later than 5:15 PM on October 29 of the current year. By the end of the sitting, the fourth item on the agenda had been successfully processed and addressed.