Agenda Profile: Reili Rand
Inquiry Concerning the Support of the Birth Rate (No. 812)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus centers on the welfare of children and families and supporting the birth rate, framed by the necessity of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state. This stance is strongly policy-driven, emphasizing the establishment of economic security and robust social support systems to instill young people with the confidence to believe in the future. The party advocates for the swift implementation of evidence-based measures and the correction of inequities within existing support systems. Ultimately, the policy is directed toward reducing societal uncertainty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding social policy and the factors affecting the birth rate, citing a specific, completed analysis. The necessity of evidence-based solutions is stressed, and the issue of housing affordability is highlighted as a direct determinant of the birth rate. This detailed knowledge encompasses the flexibility of parental benefits and the challenges of accounting for wage growth when dealing with consecutive births.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is structured and serious, emphasizing national values and the importance of children ("Every child is priceless to Estonia"). A balanced approach is employed, where emotional appeals (the lack of a sense of security) are intertwined with logical and systemic political proposals (three main directions). The tone is mostly constructive, but it also includes sharp criticism directed at the government's inaction.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislative initiator, having introduced bills aimed at correcting inequities in child benefits and increasing the flexibility of parental leave compensation. Furthermore, a debate on a matter of national importance, initiated by the Social Democrats, is scheduled for November 13th, demonstrating an active role in shaping the parliamentary agenda.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main conflict is with the government, which is being criticized for the discrepancy between its words and actions regarding support for the birth rate. The criticism is policy-driven, specifically highlighting the government's refusal to back a draft bill intended to fix the unfairness surrounding child benefits. The speaker expects the government to give a negative reply, citing a lack of funds ("there is no money and nothing can be done"), which reveals skepticism about the government’s true commitment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls for cooperation, emphasizing that discussions on population policy should serve as a platform for collaboration, not a battleground for conflicting values or ideological stances. Colleagues are invited to actively participate and contribute their thoughts to the upcoming debate. This demonstrates an openness to seeking political solutions that transcend party lines.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is distinctly national, centered on ensuring Estonia's long-term viability and growth. There is mention of the necessity to guarantee access to services (childcare, kindergarten, and hobby groups) regardless of location, which points to a nationwide reach and a concern over regional disparities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Support is given to social policies that ensure economic security, advocating for a fair wage that allows people to live with dignity. Emphasis is placed on tackling the issue of housing availability and the need for flexible benefits that adjust for wage growth. These views support state intervention to guarantee security for families during periods of inflation and crisis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A core social theme is supporting families and building a secure society, which necessarily involves balancing work and family life. Emphasis is placed on the need to share domestic care work more equally between partners, and to ensure access to mental health support and flexible childcare options. The goal is to create a society where individuals do not have to choose between starting a family and pursuing personal fulfillment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on remedying the unfairness in child benefits and increasing the flexibility of parental benefits. Priorities include adjusting parental benefits based on sequential births and the wage growth that has occurred in the labor market. The speaker positions themselves as the initiator of these specific policy changes.
3 Speeches Analyzed