Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Foreign policy
2024-12-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly centered on allied relations, emphasizing the necessity of keeping the foreign policy course aligned with America and Israel. It sharply criticizes the Foreign Minister’s actions in UN votes, which, in its assessment, have damaged relations and deviated from the established foreign policy trajectory. It supports keeping Georgia outside the Kremlin’s sphere of influence but deems the damage inflicted regarding the Israel issue to be significant. The political framework is both value-based (loyalty to allies) and results-based (the negative consequences of the policy).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise regarding Middle East conflicts and Estonia's foreign policy votes at the UN, highlighting specific dates (December 2023, September 2024) and corresponding events. Emphasizes personal, on-the-ground experience in Israel (a November visit to the Golan Heights) and possesses detailed knowledge, such as the Arab children killed in the Hezbollah rocket attack. Utilizes knowledge concerning the impact of foreign policy on domestic education policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and emphasizes gravitas, yet it incorporates powerful emotional appeals and storytelling, particularly when describing Israeli tragedies and during the presentation of the football. The tone is critical and deeply concerned, accusing the minister of implementing policies that have allowed antisemitism to spread. A physical prop—a football bearing the names of deceased children—is employed to illustrate the message and lend it greater emotional impact.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
This demonstrates active engagement both domestically in the Riigikogu (such as questioning the prime minister two weeks ago) and internationally. It references a recent visit to Israel in November, including the Golan Heights, where they met with local communities. The pattern of action involves introducing specific events and personal experiences into the parliamentary chamber.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is aimed at the foreign minister and the government's foreign policy, criticizing specific political choices (UN votes) and the negative consequences thereof. The minister is accused of being directly responsible for the situation, specifically where antisemitism is spreading in universities and relations with allies have been harmed. The criticism is intense, being both policy-driven and results-oriented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It refers to cooperation with Henn Põlluaas during the visit to Israel, aimed at bringing a memento back to Estonia, which demonstrates a readiness to share issues with colleagues. Otherwise, the focus is on criticizing the government, but the subject supports the call by the Speaker of the Riigikogu for a civilized debate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong international focus, particularly on the Middle East (Israel, the Hezbollah conflict, the Golan Heights) and Eastern Europe (Georgia). It emphasizes the importance of allied relations with America and Israel, while also highlighting the suffering of the Arab and Druze communities in the Middle East.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses the spread of antisemitism in Estonian higher education institutions as a social issue, arguing that it is a consequence of foreign policy messaging, specifically referencing the termination of cooperation by the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA). It raises concerns about the interference of ideological politics with education policy and the safety of the Jewish community in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on holding the executive branch (the Minister of Foreign Affairs) accountable for foreign policy decisions and votes through debate and oversight by the Riigikogu. It calls for a correction of policy to ensure it aligns with Estonian interests and the expectations of allies. Specific legislative priorities are absent; the emphasis is placed on oversight and changing the overall direction of policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed