Session Profile: Reili Rand
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
2025-09-17
Political Position
The most important political stance is supporting the birth rate and reducing wealth inequality through the standardization of family benefits, in response to the deepening demographic crisis. We strongly support raising the benefit for the first and second child to 100 euros and increasing the single parent benefit, emphasizing the value-based message that the state values every child equally. Politically, we oppose the government’s plans that grant tax gifts to wealthier members of society, thereby deepening inequality.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in social policy, demography, and family well-being, citing specific statistical data regarding birth rates and the costs of child maintenance. Analyses from the Ministry of Social Affairs and studies conducted by Praxis are utilized to justify the need for support payments to vulnerable groups, particularly single parents, whose risk of poverty exceeds 50%. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the complexities of administering family benefits within blended families.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and persuasive, emphasizing the urgency of the demographic crisis and inequality while simultaneously maintaining a hopeful tone. The speaker employs a balanced approach, utilizing both logical arguments (statistics, budget expenditure, reducing administrative burden) and emotional appeals, specifically asking their Reform Party colleagues to "look into their eyes and heart." Rhetorical questions are used to challenge the government's stated priorities.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity during this sitting is limited to introducing their draft bill and responding to questions. Reference is made to their active participation in the Social Affairs Committee and the ongoing state budget negotiations, which lends a time-critical context to their activities.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is aimed at the governing parties, especially the Reform Party, which is criticized for dropping the income tax increase—a move that grants a "tangible victory primarily to the wealthier segment of society." The criticism is political and focuses on the deepening of inequality and unjust priorities. Furthermore, the Centre Party is also criticized for failing to support the draft bill concerning the fee for a spot in a Tallinn kindergarten before the previous elections.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls for cross-party cooperation, asking all colleagues to support the bill and expressing the desire to stand united in supporting children and families. He/She is open to working jointly as a parliament to find mutually acceptable sources of funding during the budget procedure.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is national, touching upon all Estonian families, but regional examples are also brought forward. The low birth rate is illustrated using the population figures of Hiiumaa, a county the speaker refers to as being particularly close to their heart. There is also mention of the small victory achieved by rural families regarding the cancellation of the tax hike, and Võrumaa is cited as a positive example in implementing subsidies for organic school meals.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on reducing inequality and promoting social justice, supporting the allocation of state resources towards families and healthcare. They oppose tax cuts that provide a "tax gift to wealthier families," and instead advocate for increasing universal benefits and lowering the VAT on foodstuffs. It is emphasized that a decrease in the number of children will inherently result in savings on the payment of family benefits.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social problem is the demographic crisis and the need to support families' economic well-being to boost the birth rate. Strong emphasis has been placed on social justice and poverty alleviation, particularly among single parents and the elderly, who face high rates of relative poverty. Furthermore, the importance of accessible school meals and healthcare is emphasized.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the bill introduced by the Social Democrats to raise the allowance for the first and second child, as well as the single parent allowance, to 100 euros. The speaker is the initiator and proponent of the bill, stressing its positive impact on reducing inequality between different household types and simplifying state administration.
9 Speeches Analyzed