Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Suffrage
2024-11-06
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political stance centers on restricting the right to vote in local elections for citizens of aggressor states and individuals with undetermined citizenship. This measure is strongly supported, framed as a fundamental issue of values and a demonstration of responsibility. The speaker emphasizes that their party (Isamaa) was the one that specifically pushed this topic from the Tallinn municipal level onto the national agenda.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the details of the constitutional amendment process and the coalition's specific compromise proposals, distinguishing between the voting rights of third-country nationals and persons with undetermined citizenship. This knowledge is supported by international comparisons, citing, for example, Germany's and Latvia's restrictions on electoral rights for third-country nationals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is challenging and demanding, employing strong political imagery, such as the Prime Minister falling "hostage" to the Social Democrats. Rhetorical questions are utilized, and value-based arguments (a sense of responsibility) are stressed in order to pressure the government. The tone is formal, yet its content is sharp and politically charged.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in Riigikogu debates, posing questions to the Prime Minister and responding to the coalition's most recent political developments. This pattern of activity indicates a rapid response to internal coalition disagreements and compromise proposals covered in the media.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is aimed at the governing coalition, particularly the Social Democrats, who are accused of holding the process hostage with a compromise proposal. The Prime Minister is being pressured, with demands for the Reform Party to take a clear stance, free of coalition commitments. The criticism targets political weakness and compromises on core values.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges broad-based, responsible cooperation, recommending the Prime Minister involve all Riigikogu parties in the discussions. At the same time, the fundamental and value-based position of their party (Isamaa) is emphasized, which does not allow for compromises regarding the voting rights of persons with undetermined citizenship.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the constitutional amendment process at the national level, which governs local government elections. Tallinn is mentioned as the starting point of political pressure, but the discussion is directed toward state-level legislation and international comparisons.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the restriction of suffrage, which is connected to security and loyalty to the Estonian state. The speaker emphasizes that persons with undetermined citizenship have demonstrated their attitude over 30 years, and many support the positions of the aggressor state’s president, which is why they should not have the right to elect decision-making bodies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the initiation and implementation of the constitutional amendment process aimed at restricting the voting rights of third-country nationals and persons with undetermined citizenship in local elections. The speaker is a strong proponent and driving force behind this amendment, actively criticizing any compromise proposals.
2 Speeches Analyzed