Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry Regarding the Care Reform (no 649)
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is highly critical of the government's execution of the care reform, calling into question the minister's assertion that the promise was kept. The focus is results-oriented, stressing that the promise (a spot in a care home for the cost of the average pension) did not reach everyone, and this is further undermined by subsequent tax hikes. They demand a concrete solution, specifically the introduction of a price cap on the service.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates proficiency regarding social sector reforms and their economic impact, citing the timeline of the promised care home placement (starting in 2022) and the nuances of the legislation. Economic factors are particularly emphasized, such as the direct impact of tax increases on service prices and the effect of the complex draft bill’s content on local governments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and directly confrontational, presenting sharp questions to the minister in the form of an interpellation. Logical argumentation is employed, starkly contrasting the facts asserted by the minister with the actual increase in the cost of living. The conclusion is presented as a conditional demand: that without a price cap, the promise can no longer be presented as a verifiable fact.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the minister and the government, criticizing the failed implementation of the care reform and the minister's sidestepping of responsibility (the claim being that they cannot be held accountable for the private sector or local authorities). The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on the discrepancy between the promise and the reality, which is attributed to rising prices.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social policy, but the role of local governments (LGUs) and the difficulties they face in implementing the reform, stemming from the complex content of the draft bill, are also mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic analysts are critical of the recent tax hikes, arguing that they have directly driven up the cost of care homes and effectively nullified a key social promise. The necessity of state regulation for the service price (a price cap) is emphasized in order to achieve social objectives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the accessibility and affordability of long-term care, emphasizing concerns about the financial well-being of the elderly and pensioners. Calls are being made for state intervention to regulate the price of the service, ensuring that a spot in a care home can be secured with the average pension.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on evaluating the results of the previous social reform and demanding new regulation. The priority is establishing a price cap for care home services to restore the original political promise and ensure its fulfillment.
1 Speeches Analyzed