Session Profile: Reili Rand
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
The speaker’s political position is strongly focused on social equality and values, emphasizing equal opportunities for children and the provision of social guarantees. They sharply criticize the government’s budget choices, which favor the wealthy (specifically, the distribution of 114 million euros to those earning over 4,000 euros) at the expense of children and social support. The speaker demands increased state funding for school meals and ensuring internal security.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the funding mechanisms of education and social policy, particularly regarding state support for school meals and the capacity of local governments (KOV). They also possess knowledge concerning internal security and the allocation of Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) resources (security in Western Estonia, overtime hours, and filling vacant posts). Specific terminology is employed, such as the "system of connected vessels" and linking the consumer price index to subsidies.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is predominantly critical and passionate, especially regarding socio-political issues, utilizing strong emotional appeals (children should be "worth their weight in gold" to the state). Logical arguments (the impact of inflation, the importance of supply chains) are coupled with an emphasis on core values. The tone is formal, yet it is sharp and demanding when addressing the government.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu plenary sessions, submitting interpellations on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction and raising numerous follow-up questions. He/She also refers to their work outside the chamber, specifically mentioning visits to schools and educational institutions across Estonia to gather feedback (for instance, regarding the impact of the examination system).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker is in fierce opposition to the government, criticizing both their policy choices (budget priorities favoring the wealthy) and the actions of the ministers (a rigid stance on local government responsibility, and a lack of a comprehensive overview). The criticism is policy-based and intense, accusing the government of deepening inequality.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works in close cooperation with the faction of the Social Democratic Party, submitting interpellations co-signed by several faction members. He/She emphasizes the need for inter-ministerial cooperation (the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture) to support Estonian food security through the school meal system.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker draws attention to regional specificities and inequality, emphasizing that the availability of services should not depend on the place of residence (local government unit/municipality). Specifically, the issue of ensuring security in Western Estonia is raised in the context of filling Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) positions, and a question is posed regarding the connection between the reorganization of the vocational education reform in Hiiumaa and Vana-Vigala and budget cuts.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for social and economic relief for low and middle-income families, promoting the reduction of the value-added tax (VAT) on groceries to 9%. They demand that state support be indexed to inflation and rising food prices, and oppose tax breaks for the wealthy, viewing such measures as a value choice made at the expense of children.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on social equality in education, ensuring that school meals are accessible to all children regardless of the family's economic situation. They also address guaranteeing internal security and emphasize the impact of education reforms (bringing exams forward) on the mental health of students and teachers.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is the initiator and supporter of the Social Democrats' bill which intends to lower the VAT on foodstuffs. He/She actively uses the tool of parliamentary inquiry to demand answers and political changes from the government concerning the funding of school meals and state guarantees.
6 Speeches Analyzed