Agenda Profile: Riina Solman

2025 Report by the Minister of Social Affairs on the Implementation of the National Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

2025-10-08

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

Political Position
The political stance is deeply rooted in specific values, centering on demographic and birth rate issues. It stresses the imperative to uphold the constitutional preamble concerning the preservation of the Estonian language, culture, and national identity. He/She acts as a robust opposition member, sharply criticizing the government's fiscal policies (such as the withdrawal of family support payments and the introduction of the car tax) and the reckless handling of the budget (specifically, the Health Insurance Fund's shortfall). The political framework is a blend of policy execution (the finalization of analyses) and active criticism of government actions (the car tax, seized accounts).

4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of social and population policy, particularly concerning fertility rates and family benefits, referencing their previous work as the Minister of Population Affairs. They utilize specific demographic indicators (a cohort fertility rate of 1.83; a replacement level of 2.1) and are precisely aware of budget surpluses (estimated at 11 million euros). Furthermore, they are knowledgeable regarding special care services and the social insurance provisions for informal caregivers.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style starts off as accommodating and acknowledging the minister's competence in the health sector, but rapidly shifts to being forceful and occasionally aggressive, particularly when discussing demographics and the government's fiscal decisions. The speaker utilizes both logical arguments (budget figures, analysis results) and emotional, value-based appeals (the necessity of the state, upholding the constitution). Strong metaphors are used, such as labeling the Ministry of Climate a "monster ministry" and describing the birth rate as "plummeting like a stone."

4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member of the Riigikogu, posing detailed questions and providing in-depth commentary on the execution of the long-term strategy. He/She references previous work (starting the analysis six years ago while serving as Minister of Population) and responds rapidly to current events (the attack published in Ekspress). His/Her operational pattern demonstrates a consistent focus on population policy.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the political decisions of the governing coalition, specifically regarding the removal of family benefits, the introduction of the car tax and the related seizures (25,000 people's accounts), and the budget deficit of the Health Insurance Fund. The criticism is both policy- and procedure-based, calling the lack of health insurance for informal caregivers "a crime" and criticizing the establishment of the Ministry of Climate.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to bipartisan cooperation, particularly regarding special care services and issues affecting informal caregivers, stressing the need for consensus. They commend the officials of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the minister for their competence in the health field, but call for the government to take the initiative in developing a mental health strategy and implementing the funding allocated for children.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level, addressing Estonia's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," and population policy. There are no references to specific local governments, regional projects, or international relations, apart from comparing the fertility rate with other countries.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of the government's budget priorities, particularly the allocation of 14 million euros to the Ministry of Climate—a move they characterize as "drowning the forest." They advocate for increased funding for the social sector, demanding that the 11 million euro surplus resulting from the declining birth rate be directed to families. Furthermore, they support health insurance for informal caregivers, arguing that this measure would ultimately bring revenue back to the state through taxes.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker's primary social focus is supporting the birth rate and creating a suitable environment for raising children, viewing this as fundamental to the preservation of the Estonian nation. He/She highlights the absence of a mental health strategy for adults and urgently calls for nationally guaranteed health insurance for informal caregivers. Furthermore, he/she defends mothers of large families against media criticism, stressing their need for support and understanding.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are related to ensuring the implementation of measures stemming from the long-term analysis of child birth rates and upbringing, and the creation of state-guaranteed health insurance for family caregivers. He is in a supporting role regarding the achievements presented by the Minister of Social Affairs, but demands that the money intended for children does not remain a "mere fairy tale" and that it be allocated to assist families next year.

4 Speeches Analyzed