Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Name Act and the State Fee Act (719 SE)
2025-10-22
XV Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position focuses on amendments to the Name Act, emphasizing two primary concerns: ensuring public safety to prevent criminals (specifically pedophiles) from abusing the name change process, while simultaneously supporting the right of individuals who have faced hardship to adopt a new identity without undue bureaucratic hurdles. This stance is strongly value- and policy-driven, aiming to strike a balance between security and freedom.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the historical problems associated with the implementation of the Name Act, citing a specific case (Kaur Hanson/Oliver Rist) and the resulting identity conflicts. Furthermore, they are familiar with current administrative procedures, including officials' recommendations to appeal to the administrative court if a German-style name is rejected.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and centered on questions, utilizing concrete, emotionally charged examples (such as criminals changing their names, or the difficult fate of a young person) as a form of appeal. The speaker emphasizes themes of freedom and cultural space, striving to find solutions to human-centered problems, while directly requesting assistance from the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the first reading of the draft Name Act. The patterns of activity suggest direct communication with constituents, as the questions presented are based on written feedback received over the last couple of months from individuals who require a name change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed more at potential loopholes in the draft law and the rigid administrative practices of officials, which create financial obstacles for people facing difficult circumstances. The criticism is directed at the system's inefficiency and inflexibility, not directly at political opponents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is supportive and solution-oriented, requesting direct "help and advice" from the minister to resolve the specific case of a young person. The speaker offers to act as an intermediary to connect the person in need with the minister, demonstrating a clear desire to solve the problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a lack of regional focus; the emphasis is instead placed on national legislation (the Name Act) and matters pertaining to the Estonian cultural sphere (such as Estonian vs. German naming conventions and the cultural influence of Baltic Germans).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are revealed indirectly, emphasizing the financial inability of a young person facing hardship to take the state to court. This points to concerns regarding the accessibility of justice and social equity when state fees and litigation costs pose an obstacle.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, strong emphasis is placed on children's safety and preventing pedophiles from changing their names. Additionally, social support is highlighted, helping young people who have faced difficult circumstances move forward in life, as well as protecting citizens' freedom to choose names that exist within the cultural space.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft amendment to the Names Act and the State Fees Act (Bill 719 SE). The speaker, acting as a critical interrogator, seeks to ensure that the bill prevents name changes for criminal purposes while offering flexibility in name selection, particularly for individuals facing difficult life circumstances.
2 Speeches Analyzed