Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's economic and fiscal policies, particularly concerning the 2025 budget and the proposed profit tax. Criticism is aimed at the government's poor performance and its failure to control energy prices and manage the green transition effectively. While spending directed towards security is supported, there is a demand for improved economic governance, based on external expert opinions (specifically those of entrepreneurs).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and budget specifics, referencing alternative tax solutions, such as the 0.1% levy on asset volume proposed by entrepreneurs. Energy policy and the impact of green technology spending (€50 million) on economic competitiveness are also key focuses. Reference is made to previous budget disputes, such as the Social Democrats' earmarked funding for kindergartens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, directly confrontational, and at times personally aggressive, criticizing the minister’s self-assurance and suggesting he needs to improve his communication skills when dealing with women. External authorities are cited to back up the arguments, such as assessments from entrepreneurs and quotes from Toomas Luman, all intended to demonstrate the failure of the government’s policy. The overall tone is predominantly questioning and provocative.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, engaging in direct and detailed questioning of the Minister of Finance during the discussion of the motion of no confidence. Previous arguments with the minister were referenced ("last week we argued with you here"), as were public events (Luman in a live studio on September 26).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi and the government, who are being criticized both for their political choices (the profit tax, uncontrolled energy policy) and their personal conduct (overconfidence, communication style). The criticism is intense, accusing the minister of ignoring proposals from entrepreneurs and allowing an unstable energy policy. They also recall the minister’s previous personal attack against the speaker, specifically when he called them a "sausage of lies."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
In terms of cooperation style, the government's inability to work with key partners is highlighted, specifically referencing the disregard for entrepreneurs' proposals (an alternative tax) during the drafting of the 2025 budget. There is an absence of references to active cross-party cooperation, though previous cases of internal coalition disagreements are mentioned (the Social Democrats during Kaja Kallas's second government).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is heavily focused on supporting entrepreneurship and preserving competitiveness, criticizing the profit tax chosen by the government as "the worst of all bad choices." The speaker supports the alternative solution proposed by entrepreneurs (a 0.1% levy on the volume of assets) and expresses serious concern about the forecast for energy prices and their impact on input costs for the economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is no direct focus on social issues, apart from a reference to previous disputes over kindergarten funding (earmarked funds). There is also personal criticism regarding the minister's communication skills with women, which serves more as a rhetorical device than a political stance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the 2025 state budget, specifically the taxation options and the planning of spending for green energy infrastructure. The speaker is acting as a critic and scrutinizer of the budget, demanding clarification on the energy price forecast, the projected economic impact, and why proposals from businesses have been ignored.
2 Speeches Analyzed