Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Citizenship Act (522 SE) – First Reading
2024-12-05
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to liberalizing the granting of citizenship, particularly for individuals who have committed serious violent crimes. The issue is framed within the context of security and electoral politics, with accusations that the government is attempting to create new, potentially non-native-speaking voters. This position is values-driven, stressing the need for a return to earlier, stricter practice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the practice of granting citizenship and the procedures used by the previous government (during the Isamaa period), highlighting the thorough scrutiny of applications submitted by individuals with multiple convictions. Specific terminology is employed concerning crimes against the person and the operations of the Ministry of the Interior.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and suspicious, utilizing emotionally charged expressions such as "outlandish views" and "ideologically corrupted thinking." The speaker poses questions that contain strong accusations regarding political motives (drumming up voters), prioritizing ideological appeal over data-based discussion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed against the actions of the Minister of the Interior and the Ministry of the Interior, accusing them of relaxing the requirements for granting citizenship "at an accelerated pace." Opponents (the Social Democrats) are accused of ideologically corrupted thinking and attempting to generate new Russian-speaking voters for themselves, linking this to the ongoing dispute over the revocation of voting rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to previous cooperation while in government, but leverages that context to criticize current policy, emphasizing the shift toward stricter practices after Isamaa’s departure. There is absolutely no indication of openness to compromise in the ongoing debate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level and on legislation, addressing the procedure for granting citizenship in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the granting of citizenship and national security, especially concerning individuals who have committed serious crimes. Concern is expressed regarding the language proficiency of new citizens ("foreign-speaking, not Estonian speakers"), and the easing of citizenship requirements is linked to voting rights and the Russian-speaking population.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft amendment (Bill 522 SE) to the Citizenship Act, being a strong opponent of the liberalization of the conditions for granting citizenship. The aim is to maintain the previously strict practice when reviewing applications submitted by individuals who have been convicted multiple times.
2 Speeches Analyzed