Agenda Profile: Mihkel Lees
Third reading of the draft law amending the Social Welfare Act (pensioner support) (508 SE)
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for the amendment to the Social Welfare Act (508 SE), which concerns the single pensioner allowance. This stance is results-oriented, emphasizing the government's achievements in raising pensions and improving the accessibility of the care reform. The speaker actively defends the bill, arguing that it will not worsen the situation of pensioners living alone in their own homes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in the field of social welfare and pension policy, highlighting specific data concerning pension increases and the reduction of the self-financing component in the care reform. They utilize statistics related to pension indexation (17.6%, 10.6%) and future projections (814 euros by 2025). Furthermore, the speaker references their personal work experience in the social sector and discusses the implementation of need-based principles (or means-testing).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is defensive yet authoritative and fact-based, focusing on refuting the opposition's narrative through the use of specific data. Logical appeals and statistics are employed to demonstrate the positive impact of the government's policies. The tone is direct and condemnatory toward the opposition, whose activities are labeled as "intimidation."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The stance toward the opposition is critical and dismissive, accusing them of spreading fearmongering and exaggerating the consequences of the draft bill. The speaker advises against taking the opposition's scare tactics too seriously, focusing instead on the fact-based refutation of their claims. The criticism is directed at the opposition's narrative, rather than the procedure itself.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social policy and the pension system, but specific examples from local municipalities are also highlighted. The municipalities of Tartu, Paide, and Põltsamaa are mentioned in connection with determining the retained income for residents living in care homes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for social redistribution and state involvement in supporting the elderly, highlighting the significant pension hikes and ongoing indexation seen in recent years. Emphasis is also placed on central government support for local municipalities aimed at reducing the personal contribution of individuals toward nursing home costs.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is the welfare and economic security of the elderly, especially supporting pensioners living alone and residents of care homes. Emphasis is placed on need-based provision and ensuring that no one is left without a place in a care home due to economic reasons.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting and adopting the Act amending the Social Welfare Act (508 SE), which will terminate the payment of the single pensioner's allowance to elderly residents of care homes. Additionally, the successful implementation of the care reform and the continuation of pension indexation in future years are highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed