Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Hearing regarding the care reform (no 719)
2025-05-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political stance is strongly critical of the current care reform, as it has failed to meet the objective of guaranteeing a nursing home placement affordable with the average pension and has led to quality and safety issues. The most crucial issue is the prevention of elder abuse and the establishment of a clear legal chain of responsibility at the legislative level, moving away from abstract societal blame toward the designation of a concrete responsible party. This position is strongly value-based, focusing on ensuring the dignity and safety of the elderly.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates proficiency in the field of social welfare legislation and funding models, referencing specific cases (Pihlakodu contracts and operational errors) and the objectives of the reform. The argument is supported by results from the State Audit Office audit and economic data, such as Pihlakodu's 34% profit increase following the reform. The expertise also encompasses the legal and ethical aspects of ensuring gender-specific care.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, urgent, and emotionally charged, emphasizing the poignancy and horror of the subject matter ("a very painful topic," "a horrifying rape case"). Both emotional appeals (families, suffering) and logical demands for the explicit definition of legislation and accountability are employed. The address is formal and directed to the Speaker of the Riigikogu, the Minister, and colleagues.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All statements were made during a single parliamentary inquiry in the Riigikogu on May 12, 2025, focusing on the consequences of the care reform and the Pihlakodu case.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the coalition and the Ministry of Social Affairs, who consider the reform successful despite the failure to meet objectives and the existing quality problems. Criticism is also aimed at the profit-centricity of nursing home administrators, which has grown with the support of additional state funding, while caregivers' wages have increased only marginally. The opposition is policy- and procedure-based, demanding the dismantling and reassembly of the system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses thanks and appreciation for the preceding speaker's accurate assessment of the situation. It is emphasized that the objective of the discussion should be shared—the prevention of new abuses and the minimization of harm.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is no regional focus; the discussion addresses the national social welfare system, legislation, and the specific Pihlakodu case, which is viewed as a systemic problem.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic concerns are critical of the current funding model, which has inflated the profits of nursing home operators but has failed to ensure the availability of places or adequate salaries for caregivers. A revision of the funding model is demanded to ensure quality and trained specialists, rather than simply lining the pockets of the owners of management companies.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on protecting and ensuring the dignity of the elderly, especially those with dementia, residing in care homes. There is a strong emphasis on the necessity of preventing abuse and guaranteeing gender-specific care when the patient requests it. This is considered a fundamental issue of dignity, leading to criticism of the ministry's responses that deny this provision.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on improving law-making by requiring the Ministry of Social Affairs to be authorized to create a procedure or regulation that establishes a clear chain of responsibility. The priority is amending the law to regulate the basis for hiring and training nursing home staff and to ensure the fulfillment of contracts (such as those concerning gender-specific care).
4 Speeches Analyzed