Session Profile: Signe Riisalo
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-15
Political Position
The political position strongly supports amendments to the Social Welfare Act, emphasizing the necessity of continuously raising the subsistence minimum and ensuring stable funding. This stance is policy-driven, relying on the State Budget Strategy (RES) and methodological research to prevent people from falling below the absolute poverty line. The speaker offers moderate criticism of the outdated methodology used for calculating the minimum living standard and deems the €440 limit for untouchable savings shamefully small, demanding that this specific issue be addressed separately.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates high technical expertise in social welfare legislation, particularly concerning the limits of subsistence benefits, the formulas used to calculate support for single pensioners, and pension systems. They utilize specific numerical data (e.g., 200 euros, 440 euros) and reference methodological research (CentAR Centre for Applied Studies) and the role of specific institutions (the Social Insurance Board). The differences between statistical data and government regulations when calculating benefits are explained separately.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and procedural, focusing on conveying the committee's discussions and technical details in the capacity of the lead committee's representative. The tone is predominantly conciliatory and appreciative, expressing satisfaction that there is no substantive dispute in the social sector and acknowledging the government's efforts. Logical appeals and fact-based explanations are utilized to dispel concerns regarding the amendments to the law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity demonstrate a focus on legislative committee work, serving as the representative of the leading committee and presenting the decisions and discussions from the Social Affairs Committee's October 6 session to the plenary. The speaker's role is to conclude the first reading of the draft bill and announce the deadline for submitting amendments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no criticism; the speaker rather neutrally references the sharp remarks and questions made by members of the opposition (e.g., Kalle Grünthal, Tanel Kiik, Helmen Kütt, Riina Solman). On certain points, such as the limit for protected savings, the opposition's positions are agreed with, acknowledging that it is "a shamefully small sum."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is very open and consensus-driven. It is emphasized that the committee's decisions were reached by consensus, and a willingness is expressed to improve the law during the amendment process. The government is recognized for its long-term planning, and there is agreement with the substantive comments put forward by the opposition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
We support increasing social expenditures to prevent individuals from falling below the absolute poverty line, emphasizing the importance of continuously raising the subsistence minimum and allocating resources for this purpose within the state budget strategy. We also advocate for enhancing the economic security of vulnerable groups, such as continuing contributions to the Second Pillar for people with reduced working capacity and raising the threshold for protected savings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary focus is on ensuring the livelihood and well-being of vulnerable groups (low-income households, the elderly, people with reduced working capacity). Separate emphasis is placed on guaranteeing stable funding for sign language interpretation services through state budget resources, in order to ensure the continuity of the service for people with hearing loss.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the draft Act on Amendments to the Social Welfare Act and other legislation. Its objectives include raising the subsistence level, clarifying the procedure for determining the allowance for pensioners living alone, and ensuring stable funding for social services. The speaker, who represents the lead committee on the bill, supports its first reading, stressing that these amendments are substantively necessary.
2 Speeches Analyzed