Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry regarding the departure of state institutions from rural areas (no 653)
2024-11-04
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speakers are in strong opposition, criticizing the government's actions concerning regional policy and social cuts. Their main points oppose the government's cuts (specifically 1.35 million euros from nursing home subsidies) and tax hikes (VAT, car tax, fuel excise duty), arguing that these measures increase regional inequality. The criticism is aimed at the contradiction between the government's actions and the regional policy principles articulated by the minister himself, which makes their position strongly outcome-based.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate expertise on regional policy, curbing urban sprawl, and the accessibility of public services. They provide concrete examples of state institutions relocating (such as the Tax and Customs Board and the Social Insurance Board moving out of Põlva) and are able to cite specific budget cuts (1.35 million euros cut from nursing home support). Furthermore, they emphasize the cross-cutting nature of regional policy, noting that it affects all spheres of life.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, critical, and rhetorically charged, employing metaphors such as "the age of illusionists" and pointing to political hypocrisy. Although one speaker praises the minister's polite communication style, the overall tone is accusatory and stresses the damaging emotional and economic impact of political decisions on vulnerable groups. Well-known proverbs are also utilized, such as "constant dripping wears away the stone."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speakers are participating in an inquiry focused on the issue of state institutions relocating away from rural areas, demonstrating their active role in scrutinizing government activities. The second speaker references the minister’s previous presentation, which took place on September 25th, highlighting the continuous monitoring and analysis of the government’s political statements.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government as a whole, specifically Regional Minister Piret Hartman and Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, both of whom are accused of having a similar "signature style" when slashing support payments. The criticism focuses on political inconsistency and inaction, accusing the ministers of engaging in smoke and mirrors and dramatically exacerbating regional inequality. The opposition is intense and politically grounded, highlighting that the government’s actions are diametrically opposed to the minister’s stated principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no direct reference to the style of cooperation, as the speeches focus on criticizing the government and holding it accountable. Although the first speaker emphasizes the need for cross-sectoral cooperation with the social sphere, they frame this within a critical context, specifically citing its absence in the government's recent budget cut decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is very strong, centering on the threat of depopulation and decline in rural and peripheral areas, and the deepening of regional inequality. Special emphasis is placed on the departure of public services (schools, state institutions) from county centers, citing the example of Põlva municipality, which has seen the departure of the Tax and Customs Board and the Social Insurance Board.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Our economic platform focuses on opposing tax increases (VAT, car tax, fuel excise duty), as these disproportionately harm the livelihoods of people in rural areas. We support social benefits and oppose cuts that erode family security and widen existing social divides and inequality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus in the social sphere is directed towards protecting vulnerable groups, especially pensioners in care homes who were stripped of the 200-euro one-off benefit. There is also criticism regarding cuts affecting the funding for children's and families' hobby groups, which reduces the ability of thriving families to live in rural areas and maintain a good quality of life.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards controlling government activity and holding it accountable via interpellation. The necessity is stressed to ensure that no bill reaches approval until its impact on inter-regional disparities and rural areas has been evaluated, thus pointing to the requirement for stricter regional impact assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed