Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a proposal to the Government of the Republic to close the temporary control line between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation" (562 OE)
2025-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The focus is on national security and countering the threat posed by the Russian Federation (hybrid warfare, sabotage). The politician strongly and urgently advocates for the immediate closure of the Estonian-Russian temporary control line, criticizing the government for its slowness and naivety. The framing of this issue is strongly value-based (security above all else) and results-oriented (highlighting the government's inaction and complacency). The politician stresses the need to exert pressure to close the border, noting that Russia often uses significant dates or holidays to launch surprise actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in national defense, hybrid warfare, and Russia's aggression tactics, citing information operations, sabotage, and centralized command. The text utilizes warnings from specialists (national defense experts) and draws international parallels (Hamas, Ukraine, Israel) within the context of security threats. The politician emphasizes that Russia is capable of orchestrating far more than just pipeline damage.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely critical, urgent, and combative, especially directed at the government, which is accused of complacency and naivety. It employs strong emotional appeals (the risk of terrorist acts, a brutal attack) and historical references (the Era of Silence, the Narva tank) alongside parallels to protecting personal property ("building a fence around one's house"). The style is direct and demands 24/7 service to the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician is very active on the issue, referencing the bill introduced by Isamaa in December and January, and participating in the ongoing public debate. The vacation plans of government members and the necessity of 24/7 service are highlighted, indicating continuous monitoring of the government's activities. The politician also cites previous statements made around the New Year.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government and the Ministry of the Interior (specifically, former Minister of the Interior Läänemets and adviser Vootele Päi). The criticism is intense and targets political naivety, procedural stalling ("analyze and analyze again"), and the setting of personal priorities (vacations, a wedding in Nigeria). The government is accused of having a patronizing attitude and lulling the public into complacency, reminiscent of the trends seen during the Age of Silence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The politician is operating within the Isamaa faction, citing Urmas Reinsalu’s support and calling upon all Riigikogu members to back the draft legislation. The style of cooperation is confrontational, as the government’s inaction is considered dangerous to national security, meaning no willingness to compromise is being demonstrated.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national security and the Estonian-Russian border, but Ida-Virumaa (the Narva tank, the head of the Narva Museum) is also highlighted as a target for Russian information operations. International examples (Finland, Lithuania, Sweden) are utilized within the context of textbooks covering border policy and resistance movements.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition is being expressed to trade and border trade with Russia, deeming it hypocritical given the designation of Russia as a terrorist regime. Security considerations clearly outweigh economic interests, pointing to the necessity of ending the practice of subsidizing Russia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The need for broad-based national defense is stressed, which should encompass the entire society, not merely a narrow circle of specialists. There is a call for public discussion and for making resistance movement manuals available (as is done in Lithuania and Sweden) to prevent the public from being lulled into complacency and to avoid learned helplessness in a situation of danger.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is supporting the bill (562 OE) submitted by the Isamaa faction, which aims to close the temporary control line between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation. The politician is a strong proponent and supporter of the bill, demanding its swift adoption to prevent the risk of Russian terrorist acts.
3 Speeches Analyzed