Session Profile: Signe Riisalo

The speaker strongly supports Bill 519, which aims to replace the standard unemployment allowance with the basic rate of the unemployment insurance benefit, thereby making the system fairer and constitutionally compliant. This political stance is focused on expanding social protection (increasing coverage from 33% to 64%) and incentivizing working-age individuals to re-enter the labor market. He emphasizes that the bill specifically improves the income of vulnerable groups, such as those with reduced work capacity. The position is clearly policy- and results-driven, serving to defend the reform against opposition criticism.

The speaker is highly knowledgeable in the field of social security and labor market measures, utilizing precise statistical data (e.g., 374.50 euros, 1.7 million euros) and citing relevant laws and procedures. They authoritatively explain the target groups and financial implications of various social benefits (unemployment insurance, subsistence benefit). Particular attention is paid to the changes in the support system for people with reduced working capacity and the resulting growth in their incomes.

The speaker's rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and highly detailed, focusing on the presentation of facts, a detailed explanation of the draft bill's content, and a description of the committee's work process. The tone is predominantly logical and matter-of-fact, but becomes defensive when responding to criticism, which is labeled as "half-truths." Data and references to legislation are used instead of emotional appeals.

The speaker's activity profile is closely tied to the work of the Social Affairs Committee, as evidenced by chairing recent sessions (April 21 and May 5) and actively engaging stakeholders. He/She notes that earlier activity (in February and March) was linked to a different position, indicating a recent change in role within the Riigikogu. The current activity is focused on processing legislation and responding to questions during the plenary session.

The speaker pushes back against criticism regarding the draft bill's alleged socialist nature, the increased burden on local municipalities, and insufficient consultation, dismissing these claims as half-truths. The primary critics include the Central Confederation of Trade Unions (focusing on funding issues), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (concerned about rising costs), and political opponents who question the reform's motivating impact. The speaker rejects assertions that the number of beneficiaries will decrease or that the financing for the subsistence allowance is inadequate.

The style of cooperation is open to involving stakeholders, even if that involvement happened retrospectively (e.g., the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People). The speaker emphasizes that the commission sent letters to all parties to solicit proposals for amendments. He/She mentions positive cooperation with the Social Democrats during the implementation of the care reform, which demonstrates a readiness for cross-factional work in social policy.

The focus is strictly national, addressing nationwide social insurance and benefits systems and their impact on the labor market. The regional aspect is limited to addressing the concerns of local governments (the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities) regarding the administrative burden associated with subsistence benefits and the increase in additional recipients.

Economic views are focused on improving social protection and labor force activity, while simultaneously emphasizing adherence to the budgetary framework and avoiding increases in unemployment insurance contributions. The speaker supports redistribution to aid vulnerable groups, but stresses the necessity of motivating working-age individuals (especially young people) to return to the labor market by abolishing passive unemployment support. He/She acknowledges the need to review the methodology for calculating the subsistence minimum.

The main social issues involve significantly improving the income of people with disabilities by ensuring they receive both insurance benefits and the work ability allowance (resulting in an income exceeding 1000 euros). The text also addresses the problem of directing NEET youth into the labor market and guaranteeing social protection for young adults up to the age of 24 through subsistence benefits.

The main legislative focus is the adoption of Draft Act 519, which reforms the unemployment benefits system and brings the Work Ability Allowance Act into compliance with the Constitution. Future priorities include a draft bill being prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs to simplify the allocation of subsistence benefits, and the development of a new minimum income methodology by next spring.