Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry Regarding the Estonian Academy of Arts' International Cooperation (no 677)
2025-02-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly value-based, centering on pro-Israel sentiment and ensuring the security of the Jewish community here in Estonia. The speaker sharply criticizes the political decision made by the rector of EKA (Estonian Academy of Arts) to end cooperation with Israeli universities. He stresses that institutions receiving state funding must take into account widely held public opinions and avoid actions that cause offense or harm. He links these local academic decisions to broader geopolitical events, such as the US presidential election and votes taken at the UN.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the EKA case, mentioning specific dates (December 18, February 7) and individuals (Mart Kalm, Julia Maria Künnap, Jonathan Ventura). This specialized knowledge covers academic autonomy, state funding, and administrative procedure (specifically, the qualification of an information request as a request for clarification). Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the sentiments within the Jewish community and recent foreign policy votes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and moral, underscoring ethical responsibility and the necessity of trusting the feelings of the Jewish community. Emotional appeals are employed, referencing fear, mental health, and the brutal character of the events of October 7th. Although the tone is demanding, the speaker thanks the minister for the measured response.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active initiator, submitting both an information request and a formal query to demand answers and clarifications regarding EKA’s decisions. They use a public platform (posts) to demand political and ethical stances from the rector candidates.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are Mart Kalm, the former rector of EKA, for his political decision, and the EKA leadership, which permits anti-Jewish sentiments and "selective humanity." The criticism is also procedural (a delay in responding to an an information request) and is directed at Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna for siding with Palestine during UN votes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The tone of the interaction is formal and demanding (a formal query/interpellation), but the speaker commends the Minister of Education for a balanced and swift reaction in the media, as well as for a thorough written response. He/She uses the Minister’s presence as an opportunity to raise additional ethical questions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international relations (the termination of cooperation with Israel, the US presidential choice, UN voting) and the Estonian state institutional level (EKA's autonomy and funding).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the security and mental health of the Jewish community in Estonia, particularly in light of antisemitic sentiments observed at EKA. The speaker calls for the brutal nature of the Hamas attacks to be addressed and condemned, stressing that the Jewish community's feeling of insecurity must be taken seriously.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on oversight and demanding accountability, implemented by submitting an interpellation (No. 677) to the Minister of Education. The objective was to obtain retrospective feedback concerning EKA's decisions and the prevailing sentiment, and to prevent antisemitic attitudes from taking root.
2 Speeches Analyzed