Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
A written demand submitted by 23 members of the Riigikogu for a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Infrastructure, Vladimir Svet.
2024-07-29
15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu extraordinary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on opposing the symbols of Soviet occupation (the Maarjamäe memorial) and demanding their removal from public space. It is stressed that altering the meaning of these symbols is unacceptable, especially when they are located in a cemetery area, and requires that the views of the Estonian people and those who were repressed be taken into account. The speaker directly compares Soviet symbolism to that of Nazi Germany, demanding equal treatment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the Maarjamäe memorial and the historical sentiments associated with it, referencing specific symbols ("hands holding fire") and organizations representing the repressed (Memento). Furthermore, they are aware of the minister's previous statements and the alleged financial interests of history museum functionaries (200,000 euros annually).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotionally charged, utilizing strong appeals to the people's feelings and historical pain. Sharp personal attacks are employed, calling the minister "purely of the Savisaar school" and accusing him of arrogance and disregard for the feelings of the Estonian people. Questions are repeatedly posed to draw attention to the failure to provide answers and to procedural violations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The text demonstrates active participation in the Riigikogu debate, submitting repeated questions and raising procedural points during the discussion of the motion of no confidence. He makes interventions to ensure that answers are provided to questions that he, as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of Isamaa, deems highly important.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet, who is being criticized both personally (the Savisaar faction) and politically for the position he has taken regarding Soviet symbols. The criticism is intense and accusatory, emphasizing the minister's perceived arrogance and his disregard for the feelings of the Estonian people. Additionally, the Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu is criticized for intervening in a way that prevented the minister from answering important questions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is little information regarding the style of cooperation, but the speaker emphasizes his position as the Vice-Chairman of Isamaa, which suggests intra-party coordination. The debate focuses on opposing the government minister and procedural disputes, rather than seeking compromises.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed toward a nationally and historically sensitive topic concerning the Maarjamäe Memorial in Tallinn. Emphasis is placed on the views of the Estonian people and the victims of repression, linking the issue more broadly to the symbols of Soviet occupation in Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is historical memory and national identity, demanding the removal of the symbolism of the Red Army and the Soviet occupation from public space. This symbolism is considered equivalent to that of Nazi Germany, indicating a strong values-based approach to interpreting history and shaping the public sphere.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The immediate focus is on political oversight and the procedure for filing a vote of no confidence in the Riigikogu. The underlying objective is the removal of Soviet symbols from the public space, but specific bills or amendments are not mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed