Session Profile: Signe Riisalo
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-11
Political Position
The political focus is on advancing the draft bill concerning end-of-life declarations, emphasizing a thorough engagement process involving 25 stakeholders. The speaker demonstrates a pragmatic attitude by accepting a technical amendment regarding the work ability allowance—one that is procedurally irregular but ensures public benefits—justifying this decision by the approaching summer recess. The overall position is primarily policy- and value-based, centering on dignified departure and social protection.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker possesses a deep understanding of social and health policy topics, particularly end-of-life services, the structure of palliative care, and long-term nursing. They demonstrate strong procedural competence, referencing specific dates, committee decisions, and legal specifics (such as the assessment of decision-making capacity and regulations governing limited legal capacity). Furthermore, their expertise covers technical amendments to the implementing provisions for the work ability allowance.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The language used is formal, detailed, and procedural, typical of a commission rapporteur providing an overview of the legislative process. The tone is neutral and explanatory, focusing on logical appeals, documentation, and emphasizing consensus-based decisions. Brief, informal apologies ("Oops, sorry") occur when correcting procedural errors.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, providing a detailed overview of the schedule for committee meetings and procedural decisions, which occurred frequently throughout May and June. This pattern of activity suggests a heavy workload leading up to the summer recess, focusing specifically on submitting complex draft legislation to the plenary session. Furthermore, the speaker participates in questioning other politicians, with a particular focus on issues related to accessibility.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct or intense confrontation is evident; the amendments proposed by the Centre Party faction (e.g., raising the age limit to 21) are handled as part of the standard procedure. The speaker mildly criticizes the practice of adding a provision unrelated to the bill, citing its unethical nature, but bases this criticism on the opinion of another committee member (Helmen Kütt).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is consensual and inclusive; it is emphasized that all procedural decisions in the commission were made consensually. The speaker highlights extensive cooperation with 25 involved parties, including representatives of people with special needs, the Health Insurance Fund, and ministries. He/She ensures that all those who submitted amendments had the opportunity to present their proposals.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national legislation and the organization of domestic services (healthcare, social welfare). National organizations such as the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and the Association of Primary Healthcare Centers are mentioned. Regional or local topics are absent.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions concern the efficiency and funding of social benefits; support is given to making technical improvements to prevent the improper reduction of the work ability benefit for individuals with reduced capacity for work. The proposal by the Association of Primary Healthcare Centers to fund end-of-life declaration counseling as a separate service by the Health Insurance Fund is mentioned.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sphere places a strong focus on vulnerable groups, particularly the rights of people with disabilities and the assessment of their capacity to make decisions regarding advance directives (or end-of-life wishes). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring a dignified end for individuals through well-organized social and healthcare services. Furthermore, the question of accessibility for people with special needs at cultural events is being raised, including their ability to participate as performers.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is completing the second reading of the draft bill on end-of-life declarations and preparing it for the third reading. Furthermore, the focus is on improving the implementing provisions concerning the payment of the work ability allowance to ensure better social protection for people. The speaker is the lead sponsor and rapporteur of the bill.
6 Speeches Analyzed