Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry regarding the social welfare reform (no 720)
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is currently on the failed implementation of the social welfare reform, specifically the broken promise to guarantee a nursing home placement at the cost of the average pension. The speaker sharply criticizes the outcome of the reform, deeming it unjust and characterizing the system as a means for prominent members of the Reform Party to enrich themselves. The overall emphasis is value-based, centering on the security and dignified life of the elderly.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the history, budget (41 million euros), and legal bottlenecks of the social welfare reform. He/She cites the assessments of the National Audit Office and analyzes the correlation between care home pricing and employee wage levels. Particular emphasis is placed on the lack of control and supervision among the various agencies (the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Social Insurance Board).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp and critical, emphasizing injustice and concern for the safety of the elderly, particularly in light of the Pihlakodu case. Strong metaphors and political slogans are used ("jokk," "the enrichment of gray cardinals"), along with comparisons to previous political disappointments (the second pension pillar). Although the content is politically charged, the presentation is formal and thorough, while simultaneously acknowledging the minister's directness.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active performer of legislative oversight, having initiated an inquiry (No. 720) regarding social welfare reform and prepared detailed questions. This pattern of activity suggests thorough preparation and a readiness to follow the debate and ask follow-up questions, evidenced by, for example, bringing a new document from the floor. The speaker also references recent media coverage, which demonstrates active monitoring of the issues.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the Reform Party, which is accused of exploiting the reform for personal gain and for the inhumanity of its market-economy approach. Criticism is also leveled at the Ministry of Social Affairs and former minister Signe Riisalo for their lack of accountability and for dumping problems onto local governments. The criticism is intense, addressing both political and ethical issues.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker underscores the previous cooperation during Isamaa’s participation in Kaja Kallas’s second government, noting that they supported the objective of the care reform and allocated funds, thereby demonstrating a commitment to supporting noble goals. In the current context, the tone is demanding, urging the new minister (Karmen Joller) to sincerely address the problems that were left unresolved by her predecessor. Cooperation with the current government remains critical and scrutinizing.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, centering on the failure of the nationwide social welfare reform and the guaranteeing of standards. It is mentioned that local governments are being put in a difficult predicament because they have to cover the gap between the cost of a nursing home placement and the resident's pension, but no specific regions are highlighted.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are critical of the market-based approach to social welfare, opposing the stance that a care home is primarily a business enterprise. Greater state intervention and financial support are demanded to ensure the availability of services at the cost of the average pension. Social accessibility and wage increases for employees are prioritized over the profits of care home owners.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is the safety and dignity of the elderly in care homes, particularly in connection with the Pihlakodu case, where criminal activity went undetected for a long time. The speaker emphasizes that society is worried about the security of the elderly and demands enhanced quality control and oversight from the ministry. Home care is also highlighted as the preferred option that the state should support.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on revisiting the existing social welfare reform model and amending flawed legislation that has resulted in litigation. The priority is guaranteeing state responsibility and adequate funding to ensure that care home standards are met and that the matter of oversight is clearly regulated. The speaker is acting as the proponent, demanding both answers and substantive changes.
7 Speeches Analyzed