Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Estonian-language school environment
2024-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, information briefing
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the preservation of Estonian-language education and the bastion of Estonian identity in Ida-Viru County. The speaker is strongly opposed to the closure of the Toila school, justifying this stance by citing the need to curb the increasing shift towards Russian language dominance and the growth of Russia's influence. Their viewpoint is strongly value-based and rooted in national defense, emphasizing the vital necessity of Estonian-language institutions in the region.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the demography and administrative structure of Ida-Virumaa. They rely on data from Statistics Estonia (the 2021 census) concerning the proportion of ethnic Estonians and people who speak Estonian as their mother tongue, noting the rapid decline in this proportion. They also refer to the key role played by administrative and school institutions, as well as the ratio of the day and night population in the Jõhvi region.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal (addressing the Chairman of the Riigikogu and the Minister), but the tone is concerned and urgent, posing direct questions to the Minister. Both logical arguments (statistical data, the necessity of public administration) and emotional and value-based expressions are used, referring to the school as "Estonian-minded" and the region as a "bastion."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is available for only one Riigikogu speech, which indicates activity in questioning the minister and challenging administrative decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the administrative decision-makers (implicitly the Minister) responsible for the closure of the Estonian-language school. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, stressing that the decision contradicts national interests and ignores local residents and parents who have taken the matter to court.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No information is available regarding cooperation with other politicians. Emphasis is placed, however, on cooperation and support from local residents and parents concerning the preservation of Toila School.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is very strongly on Ida-Viru County, especially the Jõhvi and Toila region, which is viewed as the bastion of the eastern border. The importance of local Estonian-language education is emphasized from the standpoint of public administration and security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Education is a central social issue, addressed through the lens of preserving the Estonian language and national identity. The speaker strongly supports the continuation of Estonian-language schools in Ida-Virumaa to curb the decline in the proportion of ethnic Estonians and the growth of Russia’s influence.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on contesting the administrative decision (the closure of the school) and advocating for the preservation of existing Estonian-language institutions. The speaker is an opponent of the ongoing administrative action, demanding the continued operation of the existing pro-Estonian school.
1 Speeches Analyzed