Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Health Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (717 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on an amendment to the Health Insurance Act concerning a change in the basis for calculating maternity benefits. The speaker is strongly opposed to equating pregnant women with other benefit recipients, as this will result in a financial loss for women who were previously on parental leave. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the necessity of supporting birth rates and women carrying new life. The government's justification, citing the risk of fraud, is considered hypocritical and an example of poor judgment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of the methodology used for calculating social insurance and benefits, referencing MTA data and the differences in the basis for wage calculation (annual salary versus the six-month average). Specific salary figures are utilized (e.g., 1981 euros vs. 2126 euros), and reference is made to data from the explanatory memorandum concerning 1325 expectant mothers. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about issues concerning the reduction of administrative burden and the cost of IT solutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate and defensive, particularly concerning pregnant women, employing strong emotional appeals (e.g., the declining birth rate, carrying new life). Simultaneously, the arguments are bolstered by detailed legislation and financial data, while the opposing side's suspicions are criticized as hypocritical and dismissive. The speaker addresses the Riigikogu (Parliament), the Minister, and the public following the proceedings online.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating in the debates of the Social Affairs Committee and repeatedly speaking at the Riigikogu podium during the first reading of the draft legislation. Reference is also made to the practice of questioning civil servants.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the minister and the initiators of the bill, criticizing the political decision regarding changes to benefits for pregnant women, which results in unequal treatment. The government's justification—fear of fraud risk—is criticized particularly intensely, being called hypocritical and poor form. They contrast the suspicion cast upon pregnant women with the failure to resolve the issue of parental benefit scheming.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlights the cooperation and the congruence of views shared with colleagues (e.g., Irja and Tanel Kiik) on the Social Affairs Committee. A repeated appeal is made to the minister to review the item again and consult with officials, which demonstrates a willingness to find a solution.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic focus is on protecting social guarantees and benefits to prevent a reduction in the income of pregnant women, which could exceed 100 euros per month. Financial losses are anticipated for those who had low or zero income in the preceding year. It is also noted that Estonian wages are not very high when measured against the European average.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong social focus is placed on supporting the birth rate and protecting expectant mothers, emphasizing their unique situation while carrying new life. This also raises a broader social issue concerning the manipulation of parental benefit schemes (where the father receives the benefit while the mother stays home). Furthermore, a warning is issued that women lacking social guarantees are vulnerable to economic violence.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is opposing the amendments to Draft Bill 717 SE, which concern the calculation of maternity benefits. The speaker supports retaining the previous procedure for pregnant women, or alternatively, proposes creating an IT solution costing 50,000 euros to alleviate the administrative burden and control the risk of fraud.
4 Speeches Analyzed