Agenda Profile: Reili Rand
Draft law amending the Family Benefits Act (659 SE) - first reading
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
A strong, value-driven stance supporting efforts to tackle the demographic crisis and reduce wealth inequality. The politician urgently stresses the need to raise the benefits for the first and second child, as well as single-parent benefits, to 100 euros, sending a clear message that every child is valued equally. The objective is to reduce inequity between different household types and improve the economic well-being of families.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of social and family benefits, drawing upon analyses conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs, studies by Praxis, and detailed statistical data. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of economic well-being on birth rates, the average cost of raising children (€564.62 per month), and the high relative poverty rate among single parents (exceeding 50%).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is simultaneously concerned (the demographic crisis) and urgent, containing both data-driven argumentation and strong value-based and emotional appeals. It uses direct addresses to the opposing parties ("I look into the eyes and heart of my colleagues from the Reform Party") and emphasizes the positive value message of the draft legislation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches focused on the first reading in the Riigikogu of a specific bill (the Draft Act amending the Family Benefits Act). It mentions the work of the Social Affairs Committee and upcoming state budget negotiations, demonstrating active participation in the legislative process.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the ruling coalition parties, especially the Reform Party, which is accused of favoring the wealthier segment of society (by scrapping the income tax hike) instead of supporting families. The criticism focuses on the government's lack of political will to find 50 million euros, and it faults the Centre Party for its indecisiveness regarding kindergarten placement fees.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It strongly emphasizes the need for cross-party cooperation, urging all Riigikogu members to support the draft legislation and jointly identify funding sources. It also expresses a willingness to work with the Reform Party during the budget procedure to find a solution for increasing family benefits.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on national family policy and demography, illustrating this by comparing Hiiumaa's population size with the current low fertility rate. It is also noted that the cancellation of planned tax increases offers very little gain for families in rural areas, pointing to existing regional disparities.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports state intervention aimed at reducing inequality through increased family benefits and targeted aid (single parents). It opposes tax relief for the wealthy, recommending instead that the freed resources be directed toward families or healthcare spending. As an alternative, it proposes lowering the value-added tax (VAT) on foodstuffs to improve overall livelihood.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue revolves around demography and reducing child poverty, with a particular emphasis on the vulnerability of single-parent households. It is crucial that all children are valued equally, irrespective of their birth order or family structure.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is the adoption of the draft bill (659 SE), submitted by the Social Democrats, which amends the Family Benefits Act. The purpose of this bill is to standardize child benefits at 100 euros, increase the single parent allowance, and simplify the administration of child benefit payments (specifically concerning blended families).
7 Speeches Analyzed