Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Inquiry Regarding the Care Reform (no 649)
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
While generally supportive of the care reform, the faction emphasizes the lack of additional state funding and clarity, and calls for constructive dialogue. The primary focus is on sustainable funding for local governments to organize care and on initiating discussions on these topics in parliament. The faction stresses a value-based approach (policy/value), rather than merely harassing the opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Discusses the operation of the care reform, funding by the state versus local municipalities, and the consequences stemming from the Supreme Court decision. It mentions home care as a primary service, along with staff shortages and budgetary concerns as the main problem areas. It refers to the rising costs of care and the increased burden of obligations on local governments, as well as "care bills for all clients" and the need for clarification. It is capable of linking the role of the reform, the availability of local services, and the context of price increases.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A formal and constructive tone, combining fact-based assertions with questions and a search for necessary improvements. It adopts a laudatory and appreciative foundation, emphasizing the need for dialogue and open discussion, while avoiding premises rooted in confrontation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The submission of an interpellation and the faction’s active participation in cooperation and discussion forums are mentioned. Meetings with people during the initial stages of the care reform are described, and officials are encouraged to reach out to the faction; emphasis is placed on regular debate in the chamber and constructive dialogue with the ministry.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The core of the criticism revolves around insufficient state funding and a lack of information sharing; the implementation of court rulings and state decisions is criticized for increasing the burden on local municipalities. Explanations are being sought in the Riigikogu (Parliament), and the need for precise and comprehensive support is emphasized. The overall stance on the reform is expected to remain positive, though conservative and critical specifically concerning the structure of funding organization.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The faction is seeking cooperation: officials from local governments and the ministry are invited to reach out in order to establish a constructive dialogue through the faction. We emphasize our readiness for cooperation and debate on the floor, as well as the use of informal channels for resolving issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Cooperation between national and local governments, and highlighting local concerns (several municipalities are running a deficit; this does not refer to a specific region). The focus is on the state-level financing and organization of local services across the entirety of Estonia, rather than concentrating on individual regions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The text emphasizes the rising cost of care and the need for increased contributions from both the state and local municipalities. It highlights specific shortfalls (e.g., 450,000 euros) and the necessity of securing supplementary funding from the state budget. It outlines the funding requirements and budgetary issues, but does so without offering concrete tax or fiscal policy proposals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Stands up for the interests of the elderly and pensioners: notes that pensions are small and care costs are rising; emphasizes the importance of accessible care and ensuring the quality of services, highlighting the primary role of home care and the necessity of providing required support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on clarifying the legal and financing aspects of the care reform. An interpellation (comprising six questions plus supplementary questions) was submitted to Minister Riisalo, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue. The objectives set include conducting parliamentary debates and making decisions, as well as organizing further studies and discussions that take an inclusive approach to the reform.
3 Speeches Analyzed