Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other related laws (establishing the obligation to attend school) – third reading
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most prominent political issue is Estonian foreign policy and the Foreign Minister’s conduct during UN votes concerning the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The speaker stresses a values-based approach, highlighting the rocket attacks terrorizing the area along Israel’s northern border and the desperate plea of the victims’ (children’s) parents. The speaker takes a strongly critical stance toward the government’s actions on this foreign policy matter.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the situation on Israel’s northern border, mentioning a specific Druze/Arab tribal town and a Hezbollah rocket attack that killed 12 people. This detailed information suggests a deep understanding of the foreign policy conflict and its specific consequences. Knowledge is also demonstrated when explaining parliamentary procedural rules (an illustrative device remaining from the allotted time for the information session).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is initially apologetic and explanatory concerning a procedural matter (the presence of the ball). However, the message itself is emotional and symbolic; the speaker uses the ball as a visual aid to highlight the terrorization faced by Israeli victims and to elicit compassion. The tone is formal (addressing the Vice-Chairman) but the content is urgent, underscoring the lack of awareness in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu (Parliament) information sessions, frequently questioning the Prime Minister regarding the Foreign Minister's conduct. This specific appearance is linked to procedural follow-up, which points to regular participation in parliamentary question hours and the use of illustrative means to attract attention.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at the government, specifically the Foreign Minister, regarding their actions in UN votes concerning Israel. The disagreement is political in nature, highlighting the government's failure to acknowledge terror victims and their suffering.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data. The speech focuses on a procedural explanation and criticizing the government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is distinctly international, centered on the developments along Israel's northern border and Hezbollah's actions. The goal is to draw the attention of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) to this distant foreign policy matter and the victims it has claimed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social theme of terrorism and the victimization of civilians (children) in Israel is addressed. Emphasis is placed on humanitarian awareness and security issues, highlighting the necessity of understanding what is happening in terrorized regions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's focus is on the parliament's oversight function (the information hour) and procedural correctness (taking the ball away). Specific bills or amendments are not discussed, apart from a reference to the Foreign Minister's activities.
1 Speeches Analyzed