Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Family Benefits Act and other laws (507 SE) – second reading
2024-11-14
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
Strong opposition to social and healthcare cuts, especially those affecting pregnant women, toddlers, and non-working spouses who are raising children. The political framework is value-based and focuses on the demographic crisis, emphasizing the negative signal the state is sending to families (e.g., introducing a patient co-payment/fee for visits). The stance is strongly oppositional, concluding with a proposal to suspend the second reading of Bill 507.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
It demonstrates a deep understanding of the specifics of social insurance and healthcare financing, addressing the rates for doctor visit fees, inpatient bed-day charges, and prescription co-payments. It utilizes statistics (Estonian co-payment at 22% vs. the international average of 15%) and references analyses conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the WHO, highlighting the negative impact that increasing co-payments has on impoverishment. It also focuses on the effect of extending procedural deadlines (up to 30 working days).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, concerned, and at times emotional, employing powerful metaphors, such as equating a parent with a homeless person and labeling politics "the art of signals." It appeals both to logic (by referencing analyses and a marginal saving of 1.5 million euros) and to emotion (the demographic crisis, the lack of a sense of security). The style is formal yet direct, addressing both the audience present in the chamber and those watching online.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered in the Riigikogu during the second reading of the bill late in the evening, which indicates active participation in the debates concerning important social legislation. This pattern demonstrates detailed questioning of the rapporteur and demands for clarification regarding the substance of the proposed amendments.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the proponents of the government's policy and the draft law, who are accused of making savings at the expense of vulnerable groups. The criticism is policy-driven, accusing the government of engaging in wordplay and demagoguery, and of "insulting" families. The opposition is intense, demanding that the reading of the bill be suspended.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Commends the Social Affairs Committee and its Chair, Karmen Joller, for introducing a positive change (the exclusion of visit fees for pregnant women), thereby showing a willingness to acknowledge constructive cooperation. Generally, however, the position remains oppositional and uncompromising regarding the overall solution presented in the draft bill.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly on national socio-political issues and the demographic crisis in Estonia. There is no regional focus, but international comparisons are utilized (WHO reports and the international average for out-of-pocket spending) to support the criticism regarding Estonia's current situation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The party/group strongly opposes the hike in healthcare service prices (raising consultation fees from 5 euros to 20 euros, and prescription fees from 2.5 euros to 3.5 euros), arguing that this increases citizens' out-of-pocket expenses, which are already excessive in Estonia. It views the cessation of social tax payments for families with children as a marginal saving (1.5 million euros) that does not justify the insult to families. It favors maintaining and increasing social security benefits for vulnerable groups.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central theme is supporting families, the demographic crisis, and the low birth rate. It emphasizes the necessity of supporting expectant mothers and parents raising children, while protecting the family’s rational decision for one parent to stay home and raise the children. It opposes policies that equate a mother raising a child with a homeless person.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on Draft Law 507 SE (the Bill amending the Family Benefits Act and other acts), which is facing strong opposition. The specific measures being opposed are the increase in co-pays (visit fees), the rise in hospital daily fees, and the termination of social tax payments for non-working spouses. Finally, there is a proposal to suspend the bill's second reading.
8 Speeches Analyzed