Session Profile: Mihkel Lees
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-19
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports establishing a new survivor's benefit for children, viewing it as a necessary and fair step toward reducing inequality. This political position is grounded in both values and specific policy, emphasizing the importance of increasing the sense of security for individuals and families in an uncertain world. He/She represents the stance of the Reform Party faction, supporting a system that ensures economic stability for families even in tragic circumstances.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social security, particularly concerning survivor's pensions and the mechanisms of the new benefit system. They use specific financial figures (e.g., €186 vs. €345) and statistics (approximately 90% of the target group will benefit from the new arrangement) to justify the necessity of the system change. Furthermore, knowledge regarding the specific calculation methods for benefit amounts designated for large families is highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and balanced, combining emotional appeals (referencing tragedy, uncertainty, and complex moments) with logical and detailed financial data. The tone is supportive and persuasive, aimed at increasing confidence and emphasizing the fairness of the new system. Repetitive emphasis is used to stress that this is a "very necessary and fair step."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker criticizes the current survivor's pension system, deeming it overly inefficient and unfair because it does not adequately cover the maintenance costs for children. The criticism is directed at the substance and outcomes of the policy, rather than specific political opponents. The shortcomings of the old system are described with moderate intensity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker references previous speakers who have also acknowledged the flaws in the current system, suggesting a consensus regarding the problem. The proposed new system emphasizes a fair transition, whereby the benefits of the existing system are retained for those who find them more advantageous, demonstrating a pragmatic approach. Direct cooperation with other factions or a willingness to compromise is not mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national social policy and enhancing the social insurance system to support families across Estonia. Specific regional interests or local communities are not highlighted in the speech.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for social redistribution and targeted spending to ensure families' economic survival after the loss of the breadwinner. The focus is placed on financial certainty and reducing inequality, particularly concerning large families. Increasing this support is viewed as a socially necessary investment in overall security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the ability of families to cope and the well-being of children following the loss of a breadwinner, underscoring the necessity of increasing social security and confidence within society. Special emphasis is placed on supporting large families, as they find themselves in an especially difficult position within the current system. The objective is to ensure that children are not left unsupported in a tragic situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the creation of a new survivor's benefit, which will replace the current survivor's pension. The speaker is a strong proponent of this reform, emphasizing the new system's greater financial security and fair transition, which stands to benefit nearly 90% of the target group.
1 Speeches Analyzed