Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiries Regarding Estonia's Conduct at the United Nations General Assembly (no. 663)
2024-12-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government’s foreign policy decisions at the UN General Assembly, especially regarding a vote that was not aligned with Estonia’s closest allies. The criticism is aimed at the timing and manner of the minister’s actions, emphasizing that the minister should have remained silent rather than rushing to announce their decisions. The stance is primarily outcome-based, focusing on the negative impact of the action on allied relations and the domestic community.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of foreign policy protocol and the importance of staying aligned with allies in international organizations. This expertise is also evident in the ability to connect international votes with the security and sentiments of the Jewish community residing in Estonia, referencing a specific event (a visit to the Jewish cemetery on October 7).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and accusatory, employing emotional appeal, referencing personal experience and the community's vulnerability. Direct rhetorical questions and figurative language are utilized (e.g., "hand outstretched, running") to emphasize the rushed and inappropriate nature of the minister's actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity includes participation in Riigikogu interpellations aimed at criticizing the actions of the executive branch and holding them accountable. The speaker refers to a previous joint event with the Foreign Minister (the October 7th visit to the old Jewish cemetery), which demonstrates active involvement in sensitive commemorative events.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is aimed at the Foreign Minister's actions and the government's foreign policy decisions, which are seen as being at odds with allies and creating insecurity for the Jewish community. The criticism is intense, focusing on both procedural errors (the failure to remain silent) and the resulting political damage.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international relations (UN General Assembly votes) and allied relations, although this is directly linked to the domestic impact on the Jewish community residing in Estonia. There is also mention of actions coordinated with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, indicating a certain level of regional (Baltic) cooperation, which is currently being criticized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker highlights as a social issue the sense of security and vulnerability felt by the Jewish community living in Estonia, which has arisen as a result of foreign policy decisions. This is a strong, value-driven position that frames the community's well-being within the context of foreign policy and emphasizes domestic insecurity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at holding the executive branch accountable and ensuring parliamentary oversight, exercised through a formal interpellation concerning the Foreign Minister's actions. The objective is to criticize and alter the government's foreign policy conduct.
1 Speeches Analyzed