Social Affairs Minister to step down

Jan 22, 2009
TBT Staff in cooperation with BNS

TALLINN – Embattled Social Affairs Minister Maret Maripuu has survived a vote of no-confidence, only to say that she will step down in one month.

Maripuu told lawmakers she intends to resign on Feb. 23 after becoming assured that reforms she spearheaded are effectively working and that everyone who is entitled to a benefit gets their money at the established time.

"I will resign so the government can go on with important social reforms," the minister was quoted by the Baltic News Service as saying.

Some 40 deputies from Center, People's Union and Green parties – all three opposition parties in Riigikogu [Estonian parliament] – signed a motion calling for a vote of no confidence in the minister on Thursday. The motion was handed in by Center Party leader Vilja Savisaar.

It accused Maripuu of administrative incapacity and incompetence in directing the work at the ministry, criticizes the minister for too long delays in informing the public about the problems, lying to the public, and carelessness toward people who are directly affected by the minister's decisions.

The criticism is related to the withholding of disabled benefit payments for several months as a result of the introduction of an underdeveloped new IT system in the ministry's area of government and a poorly developed new pension payment and home delivery system.

Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said at the government press conference that he had approved the announcement of Maripuu's impending resignation.

Maripuu has initiated several important reforms that have been carried out poorly, said Ansip, chairman of the Reform Party that holds the social affairs portfolio in the Cabinet.

Maripuu said that central to her work as minister was the goal to turn the blanket-style and wasteful welfare system, which at times was reminiscent of the Soviet era, into a system capable of making sure that help reaches those who truly in need.

"I knew when I accepted the ministerial job that this task will not be an easy one, yet I believe that without changing the ungainly social system our state will find itself in trouble soon," she said.

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