Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – second reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is cautious and value-based, centered on protecting the freedom of religious communities from potential legal harassment. While acknowledging the commission's responsiveness in removing a contentious point, concern remains that the draft law could still enable persecutions similar to the case involving Päivi Räsänen. This stance seeks to improve the quality of legislation to prevent the law from being abused by the prosecution.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act, particularly in the context of regulating influence originating from foreign countries and the principles of international law. This expertise is supported by the use of a specific and detailed Finnish political and legal case (the case of Päivi Räsänen, former Minister of the Interior), which illustrates the potential risks of the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, deferential, and interrogative, directed toward the Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu and the presenter. Logical argumentation is utilized, grounded in the presentation of a specific, high-profile example, in order to underscore the potential negative ramifications of the draft legislation and the corresponding responsibility of the lawmaker.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the committee's work ("When we were in the committee") and posing questions during the bill's second reading. This pattern of activity indicates that concerns are raised both during the preparation phase of the bill and at the plenary session.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is not aimed at specific adversaries, but rather at the potential dangers inherent in the draft law, which could lead to prosecutorial vexation and legal harassment. The opposition is focused on preventing the creation of ambiguous legal standards that might infringe upon religious freedom.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is geared toward compromise, as the speaker acknowledges the commission's accommodation and the removal of the problematic point from the draft ("Now you have met us halfway"). Ongoing communication is directed at obtaining an assessment and clarification from the rapporteur, demonstrating a readiness for dialogue.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on Estonian legislation, but a significant international example—the Päivi Räsänen case from Finland—is being used to highlight the cross-border implications of the law and to warn against similar potential issues arising in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is the protection of religious freedom and civil liberties, particularly concerning the regulation of activities carried out by religious associations. Concern is expressed that the law may lead to the persecution of individuals (such as the Räsänen case, who was accused under a provision of minority policy), thereby emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding religious self-expression.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft act amending the Law on Churches and Congregations (Bill 570 SE), regarding which the speaker is acting as a critical questioner. The objective is to ensure that the bill does not establish a legal basis for the occurrence of cases where clergy or religious leaders suffer persecution, even after the amendments are introduced.
1 Speeches Analyzed