Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
The Minister of Defence's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
2025-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on ensuring the fairness and motivational structure of the salary system within the national defense sector. The speaker sharply criticizes the wage gap between the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the young soldiers who risk their lives on missions. This stance is strongly results-oriented and values-driven, demanding that risk-taking be adequately compensated. Furthermore, significant emphasis is placed on the procedural correctness of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and ministerial accountability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of pay grades within the defense sector, citing the specific salary of a new recruit (approximately 1200 euros) and being familiar with the specifics of the Tapa service post. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable about the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and the ministerial obligation to provide answers. He is capable of differentiating between the salary levels of the Ministry of Defense leadership and those of new recruits, as well as understanding the budget distribution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is demanding and critical, highlighting the injustice inherent in wage disparities. Direct comparisons and emotional appeals are utilized, referencing the life-threatening situations and sacrifices of soldiers ("those who are the first to put their lives on the line for Estonia"). The second address is procedural, demanding a specific answer from the minister rather than evasion, while maintaining respect for the Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the Minister of Defense, who is being criticized both for unfair salary policies and for evading questions before the Riigikogu. The criticism is intense and demands both political change (the salary model) and procedural correctness (answering the question asked, not what he himself wants to talk about).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic: the Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu is being praised for his honesty, which signals a willingness to cooperate on resolving procedural matters. Cooperation with the Minister, however, is ruled out until he answers the questions that have been posed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is linked to the defense forces' duty stations, specifically mentioning soldiers serving in Tapa. The geographical burden is also emphasized, as soldiers live far from their duty station, "at the other end of Estonia."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on the allocation of the national defense budget and the motivation of personnel. The speaker supports restructuring the wage system to ensure motivating and fair compensation for lower-ranking soldiers, contrasting this with the continuous salary increases enjoyed by the leadership. It is demanded that the benefits derived from increasing the national defense budget percentage must also reach the lower tiers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is placed on the well-being and livelihood of defense personnel and their families. Emphasis is put on the social sacrifice made by young soldiers—extended separation from family and life-threatening situations during missions—which has not been adequately compensated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on two levels: first, the implementation of the Ministry of Defence’s long-term development strategy ("Estonia 2035") concerning remuneration policy. Second, improving the Riigikogu’s (Parliament’s) Rules of Procedure to stipulate the obligation of ministers to respond to questions submitted to them.
2 Speeches Analyzed