Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
Inquiry regarding the promotion of family and large families (no. 667)
2025-01-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
This political platform heavily emphasizes the promotion of the natural, or traditional, family and high birth rates, viewing this as the foundation for the nation's survival and growth, and a constitutional obligation of the state. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's inaction in resolving the birth rate crisis, stressing that the state must ensure the alignment of citizens' goals with society's strategic objectives. This stance is value-driven and strongly oppositional toward the government's current social policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of demography and social statistics, citing demographer Mark Gortfelder’s research on the gap between the desired and actual number of children. Reference is also made to studies that link the natural family structure to better mental health outcomes for children, specifically mentioning indicators such as the prevalence rates of depression. Furthermore, the speaker possesses knowledge of population policy measures implemented in other European countries (Hungary, Poland, Italy, Croatia, Georgia).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, critical, and insistent, combining statistical data (e.g., birth rates, depression percentages) with strong value-based claims. The Minister’s response is characterized as cunning and fawning behind the backs of strategic partners, which lends a polemical nature to the tone. A contrast is used between the government’s "winking" campaigns and the absence of family-centric campaigns to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of action is linked to formal parliamentary work through the submission of an inquiry that has been in process since November. This indicates an effort to pressure the government regarding specific topics and an expectation that the minister will come forward with a new substantive initiative. The speaker also references the use of artificial intelligence for finding international examples.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is directed at the governing coalition, which is called "a bloc of three left-globalist parties," and the Ministry of Social Affairs. Criticism is aimed at political inaction (the absence of a campaign) and harmful policy decisions (the reduction of support payments for large families, and the refusal to implement indexation). The Minister's response is considered inadequate, cunning, and evasive of the country's main problem.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
We lack sufficient information regarding the style of cooperation concerning cross-factional collaboration. The speaker emphasizes the need for the state's own initiative and is skeptical about the ministry acting through social partners, arguing that this is a ploy to evade governmental responsibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (addressing the Estonian birth crisis and the Constitution) and drawing upon international examples. To support these arguments, we highlight the successful family policy campaigns and measures implemented in Hungary, Poland, Italy, Croatia, and Georgia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views support state social investments aimed at promoting high birth rates, while criticizing the government for cutting family benefits and refusing to index them. It is emphasized that awareness campaigns are an inexpensive measure that cannot be justified by a lack of funds, and that even cost-free measures (such as student loan cancellation) have been rejected.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the valuing and protection of the natural, or traditional, family (man, woman, child), considering it the foundation for the nation's continued existence. The speaker strongly opposes the views and campaigns of "fourth-generation feminists" that promote diversity at the expense of supporting the traditional family. It is emphasized that the natural family is associated with better mental health outcomes for children and reduces risk-taking behavior.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at changing government policy regarding the resolution of the demographic crisis, demanding national awareness campaigns and the restoration and indexation of previously available family benefits. Separate emphasis is placed on the necessity of cancelling the student loans of those who had a child during their studies, and establishing a functional commission dedicated to the demographic crisis.
3 Speeches Analyzed