Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (519 SE) – Second Reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Bill 519 SE (Draft Act amending the Unemployment Insurance Act), supporting proposals to terminate its proceedings. The bill is criticized as unfair because the unified base rate leaves many target groups without support and worsens the situation for vulnerable people. The criticism is aimed both at the substance of the policy and the government's actions, which are being called "smoke and mirrors."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social insurance and benefits for people with disabilities, referencing feedback from the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People (Eesti Puuetega Inimeste Koda) and the work of the Social Affairs Committee. Specific examples are used regarding the situation of youth with special needs and informal caregivers, particularly concerning the loss of unemployment insurance. The speaker is also aware of the growing workload faced by local government social workers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, concerned, and at times confrontational, focusing primarily on protecting vulnerable target groups. It employs both political polarization and accusations (e.g., directed at the Social Democrats) and emotional appeals delivered through specific, real-life examples drawn from rural areas. The discourse itself is formal, yet it includes sharp critiques regarding the government's activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the work of the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee, citing recent discussions and consensus decisions regarding support for people with disabilities. Furthermore, feedback has been gathered from various stakeholders, particularly the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, which criticized the superficial nature of the involvement process.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled at the governing coalition (the initiators of the bill) for worsening the situation of the populace under the guise of "streamlining the system." Separately, the Social Democrats are criticized for their previous negligence (tax hikes, including the car tax) and their current opportunistic behavior while in opposition. The criticism is based on both policy (the base rate) and procedure (the involvement of interest groups).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to the desire to cooperate within the opposition but criticizes the Social Democrats for violating the consensus decisions of the Social Affairs Committee. Emphasis is placed on the need to work with interest groups, especially the Chamber of Disabled People, whose feedback is considered important. Cooperation with the government is ruled out because the procedure of the draft bill is not supported.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards the social problems of rural areas, emphasizing that family caregivers and young people with special needs lack access to essential services there. This highlights the regional disparity in the availability of social services.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views stress the need to prevent local government costs from increasing when covering the medical bills of uninsured persons. The draft bill is criticized for its socialist elements, which fail to guarantee proportional reimbursement to taxpayers, who receive only a standardized base rate. There is opposition to tax increases, such as the proposed car tax.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues are the preservation of social guarantees for people with disabilities, youth with special needs (children with autism spectrum disorder), and informal caregivers. Concern is emphasized regarding the growth of long-term unemployment and the deterioration of livelihoods, and there is opposition to raising the age limit of childhood for children requiring specialized care.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing Bill 519 SE (Draft Act amending the Unemployment Insurance Act) and terminating its proceedings. Additionally, work is mentioned regarding the draft act amending the Social Benefits for Disabled Persons Act, which concerns the age limit for childhood for children requiring special care.
3 Speeches Analyzed