Agenda Profile: Eero Merilind
2025 Report by the Minister of Social Affairs on the Implementation of the National Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly emphasizes that health and well-being are an investment in the strength of the state, not a cost, thus contrasting with the doubts raised by the Minister of Finance. The stance is firmly value-based and outcome-oriented, focusing on the creation of a people-centered and caring Estonia, in line with the "Estonia 2035" strategy. The priority is establishing a sustainable healthcare system and creating a fair welfare state, thereby reducing disparities in health and well-being.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of social policy, public health, and healthcare financing. Specific data is utilized regarding life expectancy and health inequality (e.g., an 18-year gap based on educational attainment), as well as financial indicators concerning the reduction of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) deficit. This expertise is further evidenced by the mention of detailed development plans and legislation (e.g., Hospital Network Development Directions 2040, the new public health service law).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, optimistic, and persuasive, balancing emotional appeals (emphasizing care and dignity) with logical arguments. The frequently repeated phrase "investment, not cost" and rhetorical questions are used repeatedly to emphasize the human-centric nature of the policy. The speaker uses statistics and concrete examples (e.g., Hiiumaa and Võrumaa) to bring the numbers to life.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data exists regarding activity patterns (frequency, meetings, travel), as only a single report has been presented to the Riigikogu. The address refers to earlier government decisions and future programs slated for launch (e.g., the gene-based breast cancer prevention program next year).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main point of contention is directed at the skepticism of those representing financial discipline (the Minister of Finance was specifically mentioned) concerning the idea of treating social expenditures as investments. The criticism itself is policy-driven and is employed rhetorically to strengthen the speaker's own stance, not to launch attacks against opponents.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is consensus-based, underscoring shared responsibility and a common pact ("Estonia 2035" as this common pact). Concrete cooperation with local municipalities is highlighted through the permanent funding of mental health services and the provision of more flexible care instruments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong regional focus, concentrating on reducing inequalities in health and well-being between different regions. Specifically, Hiiumaa and Võrumaa are cited as examples of the five-year gap in healthy life years. The text emphasizes ensuring consistent quality of primary healthcare throughout Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoint is that every euro invested in healthcare is an investment necessary for creating a healthy and strong Estonian state. Support is given to financial discipline in the social sector, highlighting the goal of reducing the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) deficit and establishing a reserve by 2029. The adoption of welfare technologies to reduce the burden of care is also supported.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus regarding social issues is on reducing health disparities across education, gender, and region, while emphasizing compassion and dignity at every stage of life. Specific initiatives include support for single parents, increasing pension and disability benefits, and ensuring sustainable funding for mental health services via local municipalities. The ultimate goal is to ensure that no individual feels abandoned or neglected by the state.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is extensive, encompassing both decisions already made and future priorities. Achievements include the reduction of co-payments for nursing care, the expansion of drug reimbursements, and the adoption of a new public health service act. Future priorities involve launching personalized medicine services (specifically, a gene-based breast cancer prevention program) and drafting an action plan for family policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed