Draft law amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (519 SE) – third reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-05-14 17:14
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The first part provides an overview of the third reading of bill 519, amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and other related laws, initiated by the Government of the Republic. The bill aims to adjust the basic rate of unemployment benefits based on the unemployment insurance basic rate, and at the same time, to establish supplementary allowances for young people and other groups in certain situations. Discussions and consultations have been the topic—the factions see that the involvement of parties and a tripartite agreement (employers–trade unions–state) is important, but a lack of expected transparency and consensus has generated criticism.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 519 – Adopted as a result of the third reading of the Act amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and amending other acts related thereto, initiated by the Republic's Government; in favour 49, against 28, abstentions 1.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Signe Riisalo (pid vw5WQVoukVA), a member of the Estonian Reform Party faction. She led discussions in several presentations and presented the main theses regarding the content of the changes, as well as their inclusion and impact, demonstrating a central role in interpreting the draft and defending the need for a balanced reform of the sector. Her position is on the right-wing political spectrum.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi opens the third reading of Bill 519, concerning the amendment of the Unemployment Insurance Act and consequential amendments to other acts, and representing the SDP faction is Tanel Kiik, who is duly authorized.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik announced that the Social Democrats do not support the unemployment insurance bill because the risks have not been sufficiently mitigated and the government has abandoned the trilateral dialogue with labor market partners, which has been the key to Estonia's success in the employment sector.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanks the audience and invites Andrei Korobeinik to speak on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Faction.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik accuses the Reform Party and Eesti 200 coalition of continuing attacks against the most vulnerable, emphasizes that the people have not given them a mandate, and calls on the coalition to reject the draft legislation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi expresses his thanks and, on behalf of the Reform Party faction, submits a request that will be presented by Signe Riisalo.
Signe Riisalo
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riisalo said that the draft bill replaces the unemployment allowance with the basic rate of unemployment insurance, increases the number of unemployment insurance recipients from 33% to 64%, and adds additional support measures and rights for people with special needs and young people, in order to bring them back into the labor market.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience and asks Andrei Korobeinik to deliver a response statement on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik stated that young people want jobs—and dignified jobs—but are being denied opportunities because, besides unemployment benefits, they are also missing out on other Unemployment Insurance Fund services, such as training. He accuses the Reform Party of launching a deliberate attack against vulnerable groups, though he remains hopeful that reasonable people within the Reform Party will refuse to support the draft legislation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi explained that the right of reply arises not only when a name is mentioned, but also when someone's viewpoints are touched upon. He stressed the right of reply being presented on behalf of the faction and announced that the final vote on Bill 519 must be prepared, urging his colleagues to take a stand and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu adopted Bill 519 as law: 49 voted in favor, 28 against, and 1 abstained.