Agenda Profile: Signe Riisalo
Draft law amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (519 SE) – third reading
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the amendments to the Unemployment Insurance Act, emphasizing that this will significantly increase the number of benefit recipients (from 33% to 64%). This stance is policy-driven, stressing that the purpose of the benefits is to help people return to the labor market, not to provide income for those who have chosen not to work. The speaker recommends supporting the draft bill because it improves the standing of individuals with reduced work capacity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of social security and labor market policy, utilizing specific statistical data (from 33% to 64%, 600–700 additional people). The speaker explains technical details, such as the right of individuals with reduced work capacity to simultaneously receive both the work ability allowance and the basic rate payment of unemployment insurance. This expertise is used to refute objections and clarify the actual impact of the legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confident, corrective, and logical, focusing on refuting the "half-truths" presented by colleagues. The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments, data, and explaining the specifics of the law, strictly avoiding emotional appeals. The tone is formal and authoritative, starting with a direct reproach to the members of the Riigikogu for their lack of diligence.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referenced their active role on the Social Affairs Committee, noting that they personally chaired one of the two supplementary engagement events. There is no other information available regarding attendance frequency, travel, or routine activities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker directly criticizes respected colleagues who, in his estimation, fail to properly examine the draft legislation and instead present half-truths from the podium. The criticism is aimed at political claims regarding the deteriorating position of people with special needs and young people, claims which the speaker forcefully refutes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker defends the engagement process, acknowledging the government's initial shortcomings but stressing that these were compensated for by two additional engagement sessions organized by the Social Affairs Committee. He/She points out that all parties were invited and no major disagreements remained unresolved, suggesting a readiness for compromise at the committee level.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on activating the labor market and ensuring social benefits are purposeful. The speaker emphasizes that the goal of unemployment insurance is to return individuals who have lost their jobs to the workforce, not to provide income to those who have chosen not to work. This indicates a preference for a support system that is targeted and incentivizes work.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the speaker is focusing on improving the situation of people with reduced capacity for work and young people entering the labor market. He confirms that the standing of people with special needs is improving because they are now simultaneously eligible for both work ability support and unemployment insurance. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of granting young people living apart from their families the right to an additional subsistence allowance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting and defending the draft amendment to the Unemployment Insurance Act (Bill 519 SE) as it moves through its third reading. The speaker is a strong proponent of this legislation, highlighting its key accomplishments, such as the increase in the number of unemployment insurance recipients to 64% and the clarification of the support system for individuals with reduced work capacity.
1 Speeches Analyzed