Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov

Draft law amending the Family Benefits Act and other laws (507 SE) – first reading

2024-10-14

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the proposed fee increases (including the doctor’s visit fee) outlined in Bill 507 SE, focusing on the deterioration of healthcare accessibility and the growing financial burden placed on residents. The focus centers on social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups (children, low-income individuals), emphasizing the negative impact of the government’s actions. The criticism is directed specifically at the policy’s effectiveness and its social impact.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of healthcare accessibility and financing, citing the length of specialist care waiting lists and the current exceptions to the consultation fee. This expertise is supported by the use of results from a Kantar Emor survey regarding the public's willingness to utilize paid medical services. It is separately highlighted that children aged two and younger are currently exempt from the consultation fee.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The language used is formal, critical, and concerned, highlighting the complexity of the current era and the threat to the accessibility of timely medical care. The rhetoric relies on logical arguments and statistical data, posing direct and skeptical questions to the minister, such as the necessity of a new consultation fee. The tone is primarily logical, but it emotionally underscores the difficult economic situation.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data also indicates two speeches delivered on the same day (October 14th) during the first reading of the bill, which suggests active participation in the discussion of that specific draft legislation. It is not possible to assess other patterns of activity or frequency of appearance based on the data provided.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The resistance is aimed at the minister and the government's policy regarding the fee increases proposed in the draft bill and the introduction of a new consultation fee for young children. The criticism is both political and substantive, directly questioning whether raising these fees will increase the number of people unable to access timely medical care. The opposition is intense, reflecting deep skepticism toward the proposed changes.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The data is insufficient. The statements were presented directly as questions to the minister, and there are no references to cooperation with colleagues or other political parties.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the general financial situation of Estonian residents and the availability of specialized medical care nationwide. There are no references to specific regions, local industries, or communities.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize concern over the rising cost of living and the necessity of protecting citizens from additional financial burdens so they can "keep costs down." The speaker opposes state-imposed fee hikes, arguing that they worsen the situation for low-income individuals and restrict access to vital services.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the accessibility and affordability of healthcare, especially during a difficult time when people cannot afford to pay for fee-based appointments. Strong emphasis is placed on the social protection of vulnerable groups, including young children (under 2 years old), against new consultation fees.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing Draft Bill 507 SE (the Draft Act amending the Family Benefits Act and other acts), particularly the provisions related to raising healthcare fees and introducing a co-payment for children under the age of two. The speaker is acting as a critical opponent of the bill, posing questions to the minister regarding the social consequences of these amendments.

2 Speeches Analyzed