Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (453 SE) – first reading
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for Bill 453 SE, which provides for compensating public holidays that fall on a weekend with an additional day off. This support is justified by reference to employee well-being, economic productivity, and broader social values (rest, family). The position is value-based, also citing the Christian cultural sphere and the example set by Finland. This political support has been clearly expressed on behalf of the parliamentary group (Isamaa).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in Estonian labor law, particularly regarding the regulations for national holidays and shortened working days as defined in the Employment Contracts Act. A comparative analysis is utilized, drawing on the practices of European Union countries (e.g., Finland, Malta, Portugal) and happiness index data, to support the positive impact of vacation. The first speaker emphasizes the necessity of impact assessments and research that would prove the correlation between vacation and increased productivity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate and critical of the coalition, combining legal argumentation with a broad social and historical context. It employs both logical comparisons (Finland's happiness index) and value-based appeals (the Christian cultural sphere, the Soviet legacy). The address is formal but includes strong emotional elements that underscore the importance of family and peace of mind.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speakers are actively participating in the Riigikogu session during the first reading of the bill. One of them poses a substantive question regarding the data, while the other delivers a lengthy speech in support. The second speaker emphasizes that this very topic has been handled in the chamber for years, pointing to a long-term involvement with this legislative initiative.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed against the government coalition, which is accused of superficially handling the draft bill and obstructing its progress. The coalition is also criticized for refusing to use the Ministry of Finance's mechanisms to commission the necessary impact analysis, instead leaving that obligation to the initiators of the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The Speaker demonstrates a willingness to cooperate in supporting the initiatives of other members of parliament, thanking the bill's initiator (Evelin Poolamets) and confirming his/her faction's (Isamaa) strong support for the draft legislation. This cooperation is aimed at achieving a specific legislative objective.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and international comparison, particularly highlighting the practices of our close neighbor Finland, where public holidays are compensated. Finland is highlighted as a country that is significantly ahead of Estonia in the happiness index, and is cited as a model to follow. There is no specific local or regional focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the positive impact of workforce well-being and rest on the economy, asserting that a rested employee's contribution translates into higher work quality. Support is given to incentivizing the workforce through compensated time off, contrasting this approach with a value system focused on excessive competition and external success.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the emphasis is placed on family values, the importance of strong personal relationships, and the necessity of recovering from work-related stress. The speaker identifies as a Christian, referencing the Ten Commandments and the observance of the Sabbath, but makes a point of refraining from imposing their beliefs on others. They criticize the societal pressure toward constant competition and career advancement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act Amending the Law on Holidays and Commemorative Days (Bill 453 SE), which aims to compensate for public holidays that fall on a weekend. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and stresses the necessity of finalizing this long-standing initiative, while simultaneously criticizing the government's actions for obstructing the bill's proceedings.
3 Speeches Analyzed