Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Act on Social Support for People with Disabilities and amending other acts in connection therewith (561 SE) – Second Reading
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
A strong, value-based position that highlights the state's inability to provide adequate support for people with severe disabilities and their families. It urgently calls for the prioritization of the social sector and notes that there is a shortfall of approximately 50 million euros in specialized care services. The criticism is aimed at the state's long-term inaction and lack of clear priorities, which has left parents bearing a heavy burden. The political focus is directed toward creating a sense of social security by protecting vulnerable groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a profound understanding of the domain of social welfare and specialized care services, referencing specific services (such as support persons) and relevant legislation. Applies knowledge regarding the length of waiting lists and service accessibility, particularly in rural regions. This expertise stems from work on the social committee and direct engagement with stakeholders, highlighting both funding shortfalls and implementation challenges related to the Social Welfare Act.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is empathetic, concerned, and urgent, utilizing powerful emotional appeals to highlight the struggles of families and social isolation. It references heartbreaking cases, family dissolution, and suicides to underscore the tragic consequences stemming from the lack of state support. The style remains formal but includes sharp criticism regarding the superficiality of the state’s approach, balancing procedural information with social values.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active within the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee, citing recent debates and presentations, including the discussion held on Tuesday concerning the Pihlakodu cases. Describes active participation in suspending the bill's proceedings and implementing consensual amendments. This pattern of activity demonstrates continuous communication with interest groups (Estonian Chamber of Disabled People).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the state and the government, who have neglected the special care sector and failed to prioritize this area. Criticism is also leveled at those who ignore the social sector and turn a blind eye to the problem. Furthermore, local municipalities are criticized for lacking the capacity or funding necessary to provide adequate support person services.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Very cooperative, emphasizing a consensus-based approach during the processing of draft bill 561 SE in the Social Affairs Committee. Thanks committee colleagues and notes successful cooperation and accommodation of the proposals put forward by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People and the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities. The goal of this cooperation was to ensure that families of children with disabilities could be placed on the service waiting list starting already at the age of 16.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on state social services and the role of local governments in their provision. It highlights that these services are particularly difficult to access in rural areas, thus underscoring the regional disparity in service availability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports a substantial increase in state investments in social welfare, pointing to a €50 million funding shortfall in specialized care services. It views the involvement of the private sector as a solution for reducing investment costs, but highlights uncertainty regarding legislative barriers to private sector engagement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central theme revolves around supporting children with profound disabilities and their caregivers, highlighting the issues of social isolation, the risk of impoverishment, and family breakdown. It frames the care of disabled individuals as a matter of broad social security, noting that providing for those in need generates a sense of safety and stability for society as a whole. It stresses the necessity of both psychological and material assistance for these families.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative achievement is the passage of the amendment to the Social Benefits for Disabled Persons Act (561 SE), which raised the age limit for children to be included in the waiting list for special welfare services from 16 to 18 years old. Also in focus is finding a systemic solution for the care reform and the financing of special welfare services.
3 Speeches Analyzed