Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Family Benefits Act (388 SE)
2024-09-19
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly rooted in family values, emphasizing the special protection afforded to large families under the Constitution. The speaker firmly supports parental freedom of choice and sharply opposes the government's decisions regarding cuts (especially those made by the Minister of Social Protection) and the communication surrounding them, which is creating uncertainty for families. The government's actions in family policy are viewed as anti-family and completely out of touch with reality, destroying the desire to have children in Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Estonian Constitution, citing articles concerning family and large families (Article 27, Article 28, subsection 4). They are familiar with demographic data, emphasizing that 14% of families raise half of Estonia's children. They are also knowledgeable about socio-political issues, such as the withdrawal of health insurance from parents who stay home with children, and the necessity of formulating a population strategy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, emotional, and urgent, employing strong value-based appeals to defend motherhood, parenthood, and freedom of choice. The speaker contrasts the government's actions with liberal values and the Constitution, going so far as to compare the mandates to the behavior of the Soviet state. Rhetorical questions are used repeatedly, and it is stressed that the government's actions are "very sad and embarrassing."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to recent events, such as the Minister of Social Protection’s speech delivered from the Riigikogu podium yesterday. They note the minister’s repeated public communication and failure to keep promises. Consultation with a wide circle of experts who published a population policy program in Postimees is also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, who is sharply criticized for the destruction of family policy, breaking promises, and anti-family communication. The Reform Party is criticized for disregarding liberal values (freedom of choice). Prime Minister Kristen Michal’s start is considered promising, but his government’s actions concerning demographic issues are viewed as causing uncertainty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the Centre Party’s bill aimed at addressing the birth rate and developing necessary measures. They stress the need to formulate a robust population strategy, calling on citizens and experts (such as Margus Punab and Lea Danilson-Järg) for assistance. Reference is also made to earlier cooperation with Isamaa during Kaja Kallas’s second government regarding the increase of family benefits.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is no specific regional focus; the topics addressed are nationwide and concern the survival and growth of the Estonian people. Reference is also made to the international context, for example, the issue of controlled migration and contemporary Europe.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the long-term significance of demography for the sustainability of the state and the raising of future taxpayers, contrasting sharply with a narrow focus on immediate tax revenue. Families with many children are viewed as those who dedicate more time, energy, and resources to future taxpayers. The viewpoint that everyone must work and generate tax revenue for the state, regardless of their domestic responsibilities, is rejected.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political focus is on protecting motherhood, parenthood, and freedom of choice, especially in large families, ensuring they don't have to feel ashamed. The speaker strongly opposes taking away health insurance from parents who raise their children at home. Controlled migration is not viewed as a solution for Estonia in addressing the low birth rate problem, as it does not help preserve the Estonian language and culture.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at supporting the draft Act amending the Family Benefits Act (Bill 388 SE), which is a proposal put forth by the Centre Party. Another key priority is the development of a robust population strategy, complete with measures designed to boost the birth rate, spanning until 2035. This stands in direct opposition to the government's confusing welfare strategy.
3 Speeches Analyzed