Agenda Profile: Signe Riisalo

The political position centers on reforming the unemployment insurance system by replacing the unemployment benefit with a basic rate, aiming to make the system fairer and more purposeful. There is strong support for Draft Bill 519, emphasizing the expansion of social protection to vulnerable groups and providing incentives for returning to the labor market. Furthermore, the speaker deems it important to update the methodology for calculating the subsistence minimum, a task currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The overall framing is strongly policy- and results-based, focusing on improving the system's efficiency.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of social security and labor market measures, utilizing precise numerical data (e.g., benefit rates, household figures, 33% vs 64% of recipients) and referencing relevant legislation and information systems (STAR). They possess comprehensive knowledge of the bill's legislative process, the engagement procedures, and the previous proposals made by the Chancellor of Justice. The impact of the changes on the income of people with reduced work ability is explained in especially detailed terms.

The style is formal, informative, and at times defensive, offering detailed responses to criticism from the opposition and stakeholders concerning costs, inclusion, and the fundamental nature of the system. Strong logical arguments, statistics, and references to legislation are employed to justify the necessity and benefits of the draft bill. The speaker forcefully refutes "half-truths," such as the assertion that the system is becoming more socialist or that the number of aid recipients will decrease.

The speaker is actively involved in steering the work of the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee, noting four committee sessions and their role as the presiding officer for the most recent ones. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on the legislative process, coordinating stakeholder involvement, and preparing the draft legislation for its second reading. The speaker’s previous role as a government official is also mentioned, though their current status as a member of the Riigikogu is stressed.

The counter-argument addresses the concerns raised by stakeholders (the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Estonian Trade Union Confederation, the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People) and the opposition regarding financing, inclusion, and the system’s shift toward greater socialization. The criticism is primarily political and procedural, citing, for instance, concerns over the risk of increasing unemployment insurance contributions or insufficient stakeholder involvement. The speaker forcefully refutes these points of criticism, providing detailed responses concerning the growth in costs and the number of benefit recipients.

The style of cooperation is inclusive, seeking to address stakeholders' concerns through additional discussions; for instance, all parties were invited to the session on April 21st. Cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications regarding technical amendments is also mentioned. Furthermore, reference is made to previous successful collaboration with the Social Democrats in implementing the care reform, demonstrating a readiness for cross-party work in the social sector.

The focus is mainly on the national social insurance and labor market measures systems (the Unemployment Insurance Fund, the Ministry of Social Affairs). The regional aspect relates to the administrative burden and financing of local governments (LGs) when allocating subsistence benefits. It is acknowledged that the workload of LGS in the social sector is increasing, particularly concerning the guidance of NEET youth.

Economic perspectives favor changing the system to actively motivate people to return to the labor market, criticizing the previous unemployment benefit scheme for encouraging passivity. An increase in social expenditure (1.7 million euros allocated to the subsistence benefit budget) is accepted in order to make the system fairer, but it is stressed that these costs are planned within the existing budget framework. Support is also given to the role of the Unemployment Insurance Fund in assisting the working-age population.

The social focus is directed toward supporting vulnerable groups, particularly by significantly improving the income of people with reduced working capacity (over 1000 euros in cases of total lack of working capacity). Emphasis is placed on ensuring social protection for young people (the right to apply for subsistence benefit for those up to 24 years old) and the need to address the issue of NEET youth. The necessity of updating the methodology for calculating the subsistence level is also recognized.

The legislative priority is the successful passage of Draft Bill 519 SE (amendments to the Unemployment Insurance Act), which replaces the unemployment benefit with a basic rate and brings the payment of the work ability allowance into compliance with the Constitution. The speaker is the primary proponent and handler of the draft bill within the Social Affairs Committee. Furthermore, technical amendments to the Work Ability Allowance Act and a future draft bill aimed at simplifying the determination of subsistence benefits are mentioned.