Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
The 2024 Report by the Minister of Social Protection on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
2024-05-27
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on population development and the birth rate, which are considered paramount for the future of the country. The speaker is vehemently opposed to the government's cuts to benefits for large families, accusing the administration of breaking its word and acting with short-sightedness. This political stance is value-based, stressing the necessity of being a reliable partner to families during times of crisis, and he promises that, with the support of Isamaa, he will correct the government's errors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of demography and social policy, utilizing specific data points (the decline in the birth rate, a natural increase deficit of 5,000, and the growth in third births in 2023). He references previous political decisions, such as the increase in family benefits and measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis, and their subsequent impact on the birth rate. He is also well-versed in the history of drafting the fundamentals of population policy and the current government's disregard for them.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, accusatory, and deeply concerned, employing powerful phrases such as "birth rate plummeting like a stone" and "the demographic cesspool." The speaker balances emotional appeals (cuts made at the expense of children) with statistical data (birth figures, the rising cost of living). He personally criticizes the minister, labeling him arrogant and accusing him of dismantling population policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu debate concerning the report by the Minister of Social Protection, posing critical questions and delivering an extended address. He requests additional time for his remarks, emphasizing the importance of the topic and his desire to thoroughly analyze the area of responsibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the current government and Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, who stands accused of perfidy and making cuts at the expense of children. The criticism is rooted in policy and values, focusing on the reduction of family benefits, tax increases, and the disregard for demographic policy. The government's policy is being labeled as shortsighted and even outright detrimental, suggesting a complete unwillingness to compromise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is evident in the past, referencing successful collaboration in the previous government regarding the raising of family benefits and the development of COVID-19 measures. In relation to the current government, there is a complete lack of reference to cooperation; instead, the emphasis is placed on the government's inadequate performance and Isamaa's readiness to improve the situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on both the national level (specifically demography) and regional development, highlighting the declining proportion of people residing outside Harju and Tartu counties. The government’s car tax policy is viewed as encouraging the depopulation of rural areas and being unfriendly toward large families, given that a car is indispensable in the countryside. Furthermore, it notes the decreasing share of the Estonian-speaking population in Tallinn.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform focuses on opposing tax hikes (especially the car tax), arguing that these measures undermine the financial stability of families with children and increase mandatory expenses. The speaker highlights the negative impact of the 40% increase in the cost of living and the rising Euribor on young families. They demand that resources be directed toward families, rather than supporting wealthier families by eliminating the tax hump.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the birth rate and population sustainability, stressing the vital importance of supporting large families. The speaker criticizes the government’s priorities, pointing out that hundreds of thousands are being spent on "diversity policy" while funding for extracurricular activities for large families is simultaneously being cut.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on reversing the family benefit cuts imposed by the government and opposing tax hikes, including the proposed car tax. The speaker highlighted previous legislative achievements, such as increasing family benefits and implementing changes to parental compensation during the COVID crisis, measures which helped prevent a drop in the birth rate. He/She promises that Isamaa is prepared to dedicate significantly more resources to families with children.
3 Speeches Analyzed