Session Profile: Signe Riisalo
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-03
Political Position
The speaker's political focus is heavily geared towards reducing poverty among the elderly, stressing that "it is undeniable that our pensioners are poor." As a crucial first step, he advocates for an extraordinary increase in the national pension and the development of a needs-based approach, specifically aimed at supporting those living alone and individuals over the age of 80. These positions are policy-driven, concentrating on concrete social security mechanisms and vulnerable risk groups.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates high expertise in the field of social policy and pension systems, utilizing detailed statistical data (e.g., 327,000 pensioners, 28% labor market activity among 65–74-year-olds in Estonia). He/She distinguishes between old-age pensioners and general pensioners and refers to previous experience working in a ministerial position, where a monthly allowance aimed at those over 80 was prepared.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is formal, analytical, and procedural, as they are fulfilling the role of the committee rapporteur, reading out summaries and quotes from the discussion. The tone is predominantly neutral and fact-based, although it includes personal concern regarding the livelihood of pensioners. They make frequent references to the protocol and attempt to avoid expressing personal viewpoints during the presentation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity profile is linked to legislative work and committee reports delivered in the plenary session, providing an overview of the Social Affairs Committee discussion that took place on October 21. He/She was consensually appointed as the representative of the lead committee and proposed the final vote on the draft bill for November 3. He/She also referenced his/her prior involvement in the Ministry of Social Affairs.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the draft resolution submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, criticizing its broad scope (it could potentially extend even to 45-year-old pensioners) and the initiator's laconic response regarding the funding sources (bank tax, progressive income tax). The speaker doubts the objective capacity of the one-time benefit to improve long-term livelihood.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates procedural cooperation, noting that the decisions regarding placing the draft bill on the agenda and appointing the rapporteur were made consensually within the committee. He/She extensively acknowledges and quotes the substantive contribution of colleague Helmen Kütt to the committee discussion, thereby showing openness to input from other parliamentary groups.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports state measures aimed at alleviating poverty, advocating for an extraordinary increase in the national pension. He/She references the funding sources proposed by the Centre Party (a bank tax and progressive income tax) without explicitly endorsing them, focusing instead on the necessity of social spending to curb poverty.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is aimed at the coping mechanisms and poverty risk faced by the elderly, especially those living alone and those over 80, highlighting the increasing need for care. Additionally, it takes a stand against age discrimination (e.g., in the assessment of driving rights), referencing the position of the Chancellor of Justice.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing the Riigikogu's draft resolution concerning the payment of a pension supplement. The speaker opposes the bill in its current form but is an active procedural supporter (as a representative of the leading committee) and advocates for alternative solutions, such as an extraordinary increase in the national pension and a monthly allowance targeted at those over 80 years of age.
8 Speeches Analyzed