Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry regarding the third year of record-low birth rates in Estonia (no. 703)
2025-03-17
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
This political position heavily centers on the birth rate crisis, which is viewed as the primary threat to the sustainability of the Estonian nation, culture, and national defense. The speaker is sharply critical of the government's actions, accusing them of undermining families' sense of security and cutting subsidies. The stance is strongly rooted in values (the preservation of the nation) and outcomes (the government's failure to resolve the crisis).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates considerable expertise in the fields of demography and social policy, utilizing specific birth statistics (e.g., 9,646 births in 2024, a 25% rise following the 2017 support package) and historical comparisons. He/She relies on the positions of prominent demographers (Mark Gortfelder, Ene-Margit Tiit) and references existing solutions, such as the Riigikogu Proceedings publication "Children are the Future" and the visions put forth by former Ministers of Population.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and passionate, emphasizing the seriousness of the birth crisis and its national importance ("We are already too late"). The speaker uses emotional appeals, combining them with concrete statistical data, and is sharply critical of opponents, accusing them of ugly demagogic tactics and ridiculing large families.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker initiated an interpellation on January 16th, along with his faction colleagues, demonstrating proactive legislative activity. He references personal meetings with large families who were affected by the cuts to benefits, as well as his previous work as the Minister of Public Administration on the Population Committee.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party-led governments, former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo. The criticism is intense, focusing on political decisions (the cutting of family benefits and the abolition of indexation) as well as procedural shortcomings (lack of focus, delaying a comprehensive analysis). The minister is accused of demagoguery and pitting large families against other families.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses a desire for dialogue with the current prime minister, but emphasizes that solutions already exist and should be implemented (referencing the work of previous population ministers). They advocate for cross-ministerial coordination on population issues, restoring the position of a responsible minister or coordinator to ensure focused action.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level, concentrating on the sustainability of the Estonian nation and state. Children in rural areas are briefly mentioned in connection with the cancellation of the hobby group subsidy for large families, which disproportionately affected those specific regions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports the increase and indexation of family benefits to alleviate the high cost of raising children and improve the financial well-being of families. He criticizes the government for implementing measures that reduce family incomes and benefits, which has eroded their sense of security, and demands that families be compensated for the rising cost of living.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the declining birth rate and the insufficient support provided to large families, which is directly tied to the survival of the nation. The speaker stresses that the state must invest in those who wish to have children and rejects opponents' accusations against conservatives that they wish to turn women into "birthing machines."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at reversing the cuts to family benefits (particularly support for large families and funding for extracurricular activities) and restoring the indexation of family benefits. Furthermore, there is a demand to reinstate the position of an inter-ministerial coordinator or minister responsible for demographic issues, ensuring the birth rate crisis is addressed seriously.
4 Speeches Analyzed