Session Profile: Signe Riisalo
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-18
Political Position
The political focus is currently on exemptions for disabled people regarding the introduction of the car tax, stressing that the necessity of the tax itself was real and unavoidable. The speaker strongly defends the policy implementation process, highlighting substantive negotiation and the search for practical solutions. This stance is process-driven and aimed at refuting accusations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep knowledge of support systems for people with disabilities and the priorities of their organizations. Specific knowledge is highlighted regarding the rising prices of assistive devices and changes to the lists, as well as opposition to distributing aid through local municipalities. This expertise is based on six months of negotiations with stakeholders.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is defensive and confrontational, accusing the opponent of making sweeping and irrelevant accusations, as well as demonstrating ignorance of the substance. It employs direct address and a sharp tone, demanding the opponent remain silent ("Maybe you would let others speak for a change?"). The appeals are primarily logical, relying on the length and specific details of the negotiations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was actively involved in the six-month-long negotiations concerning support measures for people with disabilities, which were initiated by the then Minister of Finance. This current address is a rejoinder, indicating active participation in the plenary discussions and the necessity of personally responding to the criticism leveled.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Urmas Reinsalu, who is sharply criticized for leveling sweeping and irrelevant accusations that were presented "without knowing the substance." The criticism is aimed at the opponent's incompetence and the unfair attack against the political process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the extensive and effective cooperation with organizations representing people with disabilities (the Chamber of Disabled People), which lasted six months. The organizations themselves proposed the solutions and mitigations, demonstrating openness to stakeholder input and a willingness to compromise. The establishment of the foundation for this cooperation with the then Minister of Finance, Mart Võrklaev, was also noted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national support systems and the car tax. The regional aspect concerns the role of local municipalities in distributing aid, a measure which organizations for people with disabilities were totally opposed to.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker accepts the reality of implementing the car tax but emphasizes the need to find targeted economic relief for people with disabilities. The focus is on solving practical, essential problems, such as the rising cost of assistive devices, rather than merely raising general benefits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus is placed on the social issues of people with disabilities and the resolution of their vital problems. Pragmatic solutions (such as the pricing of assistive devices and changes to official lists) are preferred over a general increase in benefits, in accordance with the wishes of interest groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on developing and negotiating mitigation measures related to the implementation of the car tax. The objective was to reach solutions that address the practical needs and preferences of organizations representing people with disabilities.
2 Speeches Analyzed