Session Profile: Eero Merilind
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-03
Political Position
The political stance centers on summarizing the proceedings and debate regarding the bill to raise the subsistence level, delivered in the capacity of the rapporteur for the Social Affairs Committee. The speaker neutrally presents both the Social Democratic Party’s proposal to raise the limit to 300 euros, and the government’s limited fiscal capabilities and planned increase to 220 euros. The primary focus is on social welfare and securing a livelihood, although the delivery is more procedural than value-driven.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows expertise in social policy and budget calculations, presenting precise data on the costs of raising the subsistence level. Uses specific figures (e.g., 4 million euros when raising it to 220 euros, and 20 million euros when raising it to 300 euros). Knows the details regarding the development of a new minimum subsistence methodology with CentAR, which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and neutral, focusing on summarizing the commission's discussions and procedural decisions. It utilizes logical and data-based arguments, presenting precise cost calculations and references to previous deliberations. The tone is informative and objective, avoiding emotional appeals.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active participation in the Riigikogu plenary session on November 3, 2025, serving as the rapporteur for the lead committee. Activity patterns included conveying the committee's work (the debate of October 21) and communicating procedural decisions. A recurring communication pattern was answering questions, focusing on reiterating budgetary figures.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It avoids expressing direct opposition, instead neutrally presenting the positions of various parties (such as the SDE and the government representative) regarding the draft legislation. It quotes Signe Riisalo’s stance on limited budgetary resources, which serves as indirect opposition to the rapid adoption of the bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is procedural and inclusive, reflecting the positions of various factions (SDE, Reformierakond) and ministers during the committee discussion. Hope is expressed that the proposal will find support next week during the state budget debate, indicating openness to further collaboration in the budget process.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives center on the budgetary expenditures for social benefits and the acknowledgment of the state budget's limited capacity. It provides precise calculations for the cost of increasing the subsistence level (for instance, 20 million euros if raised to 300 euros). It recognizes the necessity of identifying funding sources during the state budget process.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on social problems, particularly the inadequacy of the subsistence benefit threshold for covering basic living expenses. It stresses that raising this threshold would primarily help single parents and pensioners who are struggling with heating bills. It also mentions that approximately 29% of the households receiving this support are Ukrainian refugees.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the deliberation of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 713, which aims to propose that the government raise the minimum subsistence level to 300 euros. [The subject] is acting as the representative of the lead committee, concentrating on procedural decisions such as scheduling the final vote and appointing the committee's representative.
7 Speeches Analyzed