Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft Law Amending the Act on the Election of Municipal Councils (544 SE) – First Reading
2025-02-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary meeting
Political Position
The political position is strongly security-oriented, opposing the granting of voting rights to Russian citizens and stateless residents (grey passport holders) in local elections, deeming such a move naive and a direct security threat. The stance is value-based, emphasizing the defense of Estonia above all else, while also expressing support for the State of Israel. The speaker demonstrates strong opposition to initiatives that increase security risks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topic of national security threats, referencing the capabilities of Russian agencies (e.g., Novichok, compromising individuals, and hostage-taking) and the warnings issued by Kapo. Specific examples, such as the case of Deniss Metsavas, are used to prove that individuals traveling to Russia are soft targets. Furthermore, Finland's open approach to handling risk scenarios is cited as a positive example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, direct, and combative, warning opponents against "naivety" in security matters. Both logical arguments (references to KAPO and Finland) and sharp personal attacks are used, labeling the opponent's handling of budgetary funds as "shady dealings." The overall tone is concerned and demands readiness for threats.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker strongly criticizes elements within both the opposition and the coalition for underestimating security threats, specifically calling Vadim Belobrovtsev naive. Priit Lomp faces criticism on both a personal and procedural level, accused of diverting funds intended for rescue teams toward the construction of a kindergarten in Kastre municipality—a maneuver labeled as "shady dealing." Criticism is also leveled at Liia Hänni, accompanied by the request that the defense of Estonia must remain the foremost priority.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic, recognizing common ground (for example, in supporting Israel) even with opponents, but simultaneously emphasizing the Isamaa party's unified stance on security threats. There is no openness to compromise on fundamental security issues, as opponents' views are considered dangerously naive.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national security and international relations (Russia, Finland, Israel). The regional focus is limited to the mention of the Kastre rural municipality kindergarten, which is used to criticize the opponent for the unethical allocation of budget funds.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No direct economic viewpoints are presented. The only financial reference is criticism aimed at Priit Lomp for prioritizing budget funds for Kastre kindergarten at the expense of money meant for rescue teams, which is treated as unethical "fiddling."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue under discussion is the voting rights of Russian citizens and stateless persons (grey passport holders) in local elections. This matter is strictly approached from a national security and defense perspective, emphasizing that granting them the right to vote would create an opportunity for Russia to use these individuals as hostages or to compromise them.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (544 SE) to amend the Local Government Council Election Act. The speaker is strongly opposed to the bill's objective, which would allow Russian citizens to vote, arguing that it would increase national security threats. The main priority is ensuring Estonia's security through legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed