Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Integration of immigrants
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to increasing the quota for foreign labor, especially when the existing quota has not been met and integration programs are underfunded. The primary political focus is directed toward bringing domestic NEET youth (those not in education, employment, or training) into the labor market, viewing this as a more logical and higher-priority solution than mass immigration. The framework is strongly policy- and results-driven, calling into question the rationality of the government’s actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of immigration quotas, integration programs, and social statistics. They use specific data from Statistics Estonia, citing the number of young people in Estonia who are neither studying nor working (NEET youth) as "tens of thousands." Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the lack of integration-related funding and support available to those arriving under labor migration schemes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, interrogative, and formal, typically employed when addressing ministers in the Riigikogu (Parliament) chamber. This style relies on logical oppositions (e.g., an unfulfilled quota versus the desire to increase that quota) and factual evidence to cast doubt on the rationality of the government's decisions. The tone is one of concern, emphasizing the urgent necessity of addressing domestic social issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is little data concerning the patterns of activity; only one address was presented in the Riigikogu (Parliament), taking the form of questions directed at ministers. This demonstrates active engagement in monitoring the legislative power and challenging political decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are Erkki Keldo, whose proposal to increase the quota is deemed illogical, and the Minister of Culture, who is being asked to provide explanations regarding integration and youth programs. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the government of neglecting to bring its youth into the labor market and of insufficient integration.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education to establish programs supporting domestic NEET youth. They ask directly whether such cooperation is in place and whether it is also targeted at our own people, and not solely at the adaptation program for immigrants.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national policies and issues, but regional inequality is also highlighted. The speaker refers to "the second Estonia," where the situation is far from rosy and where job opportunities are limited due to regional specificities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize prioritizing and stimulating domestic labor (NEET youth) over foreign labor. Concerns are raised that importing foreign labor will not solve the labor shortage if tens of thousands of domestic youth are simultaneously ignored. Furthermore, it is pointed out that the integration costs associated with mass immigration will remain unfunded.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on the inadequate integration of immigrants (in terms of language, culture, and social customs) and the social exclusion faced by domestic NEET youth. He/She rejects the stereotype that NEET youth are "snowflakes," emphasizing instead that their problems stem from incomplete education and limited opportunities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at criticizing existing policies and demanding the creation of new programs. Specifically, there is a demand for the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education to implement a specific program aimed at training NEET youth and integrating them into the labor market, so that they are "as sought after in the workforce" as foreign labor.
1 Speeches Analyzed