Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Request for Information Regarding the Government Commission's Activities on Population Policy (No. 661)
2024-12-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is intensely centered on the demographic crisis and the falling birth rate, which is framed as an issue of national sustainability and cultural survival. The stance toward the Kaja Kallas-led governments is sharply critical, accusing them of actively neglecting demographic concerns and cutting support payments. There is vigorous backing for increasing benefits for large families and general child allowances, citing previous successes, and the position is grounded in both core values and measurable results.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of population policy, identifying themselves as a former population politician and minister. Specific statistical data and legislative examples are cited, such as the results of the 2017 Large Family Allowance Act (a 25% increase in the birth rate for third children). This expertise also encompasses knowledge of the working procedures of government commissions and the Riigikogu's ad hoc committees.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, critical, and occasionally emotional, employing powerful metaphors (such as "the land is failing," "the afflicted") while stressing the gravity of the demographic crisis. The appeal is made both to logic (citing the positive outcomes of earlier support measures) and to safeguarding the security of families. The interaction with the minister is pointed, yet a positive indication of starting a dialogue is noted at the conclusion.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity encompass participation in Riigikogu debates and committees, alongside international contacts (such as a visit to the Finnish minister). Monitoring social media groups is also mentioned as a way to gauge the changing sense of security among families. The criticism centers on the government commission's inaction; it has not convened even once throughout the year, despite promises made toward the end of the year that it would do so.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governments led by Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party, who are accused of showing hostility towards demographic policy and ignoring issues related to the birth rate. The criticism is sharp, focusing on broken political promises (the reduction of child allowances) and procedural failures (the closure of the special committee addressing the population crisis). The resistance regarding the reduction of benefits is intense and uncompromising.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlights their party's (Isamaa) previous successful cooperation within the government regarding the increase of child benefits early in 2023. It is noted that the minister has at least initiated a dialogue with the opposition, but they are criticized for elevating the issue to an ideological level. The cooperation is aimed at achieving the goal of supporting families, irrespective of party affiliation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level, addressing Estonia's demographic crisis and the decline in the birth rate. International comparisons (Finland, Latvia) are utilized to illustrate the consequences of political choices. There is no specific local or regional emphasis within Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support state investments in families through subsidies, deeming this essential for ensuring the nation's sustainability. It is stressed that large families (14% of all families) face greater difficulties, and the value of their contribution must be recognized, given that they will be paying pensions for others in the future. It is acknowledged that family costs increase exponentially starting with the third child, which justifies providing greater financial support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the birth rate crisis and the security of families, which is threatened by the reduction of benefits. There is strong opposition within the Ministry of Social Affairs to addressing issues of gender self-determination, viewing it as a distraction from the birth rate problem. Emphasis is placed on valuing parenthood and supporting families who themselves wish to have children.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on ensuring the stability and increase of child benefits, citing the 2017 Large Family Benefit Act as a positive precedent. Criticism is leveled against the government's draft legislation that reduced child benefits at the beginning of 2023. There is a demand for greater transparency in the work of the Government Commission on Population Policy and for adopting a narrower focus specifically on the issue of the birth rate.
3 Speeches Analyzed