By Agendas: Signe Riisalo

The political position is one of strong support for the government's social policy, particularly the amendments to the Social Welfare Act. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of continuously raising the subsistence minimum to keep pace with the absolute poverty line, for which resources have also been allocated in the state budget strategy for the next four years. This support is expressed on a policy and results basis, recognizing the government's commitment to long-term planning.

The political position is one of strong opposition to the current family benefits bill (659 SE), as it represents the most expensive alternative (50–55 million) while offering only a one-time increase and ignoring complex social issues. The speaker advocates for a value-based, poverty-alleviating approach grounded in evidence-based analysis, specifically targeting the most vulnerable groups, such as single parents and families with disabilities. The ultimate goal is to achieve a society-wide consensus on how to support families.

The political focus centers on acknowledging the reality of imposing the motor vehicle tax and identifying specific mitigation measures for people with disabilities. The speaker heavily stresses the necessity of finding practical solutions concerning the rising costs of assistive devices and modifications to the relevant lists. The overall stance tends to support the policy's implementation, concentrating on managing the social fallout rather than outright abolishing the tax.

The politician praised the bill but immediately shifted focus to the issue of accessibility. He stressed the necessity of ensuring access for people with disabilities, not just as spectators, but as performers, which suggests a value-based approach to social inclusion.

The political position is one of strong support for the swift adoption of Bill 604 SE, which encompasses both the regulation of end-of-life declarations and technical amendments concerning the payment of work ability support. A policy-based approach is being emphasized to ensure that individuals with reduced work capacity can access these benefits in a timely manner before the summer recess. The speaker acknowledges that combining these issues into a single draft bill is not ideal practice, but considers it necessary due to the need for expediency.

The political position is pragmatic and procedure-based, focusing on the validity of legislation and the streamlining of the legal framework. Speaking on behalf of the Reform Party faction, the speaker supports rejecting the draft amendment to the Public Health Act, as the law itself is set to expire on September 1, 2025. Furthermore, the necessity of continuing the discussion regarding the changing of the clocks at the European Union level is stressed, relying on ministerial support and potential future research. The stance is strongly opposed to proceeding with the bill due to its timing.

The political focus centers on the future of vocational education for young people with special needs and preparing this target group for the labor market. The speaker expresses concern over the reduction in study places and curricula but simultaneously acknowledges the ministry's administrative support provided thus far. This is a policy- and results-based framework that requires a clear future vision from the ministry.

The political focus is on improving social services and specialized care for people with disabilities, which is viewed as an indicator of a society's level of development. The speaker strongly supports Draft Act 561 SE, emphasizing the necessity of directing the released resources toward services provided to children. The approach is policy-driven, concentrating on specific budgetary amendments and structural transitions within services.

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.

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 most salient issue is patient autonomy and the statutory regulation of end-of-life declarations of will. The speaker supports the continued processing of the draft legislation, stressing its significance and sensitivity, and the necessity of respecting an individual's wishes. The approach is pragmatic and policy-driven, focusing on the nuances of implementing the law and clarifying the resulting legal ramifications.

The political stance is strongly supportive of acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This position is directed towards adherence to international human rights conventions, underscoring Estonia’s historical commitment to these conventions since the restoration of independence in 1991. In formulating this position, emphasis is placed on political and legal continuity.