Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry regarding the energy sector (no. 724)
2025-04-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly anti-government, focusing on the rising cost of living and energy prices, which they attribute to the actions of the Reform Party governments. The speaker demands state intervention to guarantee affordable electricity prices for citizens and businesses, and stresses that energy security and the preservation of oil shale resources must take priority over climate goals. This is fundamentally results-oriented criticism, prioritizing the public's livelihood and security of supply.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the energy sector, citing regulatory specifics (Elering's objectives, the Finnish model) and technical solutions (the installation of CO2 capture technology at existing power plants). To validate this knowledge, energy experts are regularly quoted, including professors from the University of Technology and Professor Alar Konist. Furthermore, the speaker closely monitors statements made by ministers (Andres Sutt) and media coverage (the ERR news portal).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, urgent, and emotionally charged, especially concerning livelihood issues ("you can't pay the electricity bill with pastries"). Both logical arguments are used (referencing Finland and experts) and personal attacks, accusing the prime minister and male politicians of the Reform Party of insulting and demeaning female politicians. Finally, hope is expressed for a public debate regarding the unanswered questions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Patterns of activity indicate active participation in Riigikogu interpellations and the monitoring of events (the energy seminar last Friday). The speaker reacts quickly to topical news and the positions of ministers, even citing the same day's ERR news report.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party government and the prime minister, who stand accused of ignoring the public's livelihood problems and setting the wrong priorities (the environment before security and cost). The criticism is intense, ranging from political disagreements (such as energy policy) to personal accusations regarding attempts to belittle female politicians. The possibility of compromise is not mentioned; instead, a revision of the plans is demanded.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style involves referencing other opposition MPs (Lauri Laats, Urmas Reinsalu) to highlight the government's unanswered questions and the opposition's common concerns. Information regarding inter-party compromise or broad-based cooperation is lacking.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly directed towards Ida-Virumaa. The speaker stresses the socio-economic importance of Ida-Virumaa and the necessity of preserving the oil shale-based energy production located there to prevent job losses and the dismantling of infrastructure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform focuses on protecting consumers and businesses from tax increases and soaring energy costs. We support state intervention to regulate energy prices (ensuring affordability) and criticize emissions trading, which only adds to the cost burden. We prioritize modernizing existing industry over establishing creative hubs that offer new, low-wage jobs.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around poverty and difficulties making ends meet, stemming from the rising cost of living, which has forced people into food bank lines. This highlights the direct influence of economic policy on social well-being and the necessity of ensuring that vital services (electricity) remain affordable.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently directed at changing the objectives of state-owned enterprises (Elering) to legally mandate them to ensure the lowest possible electricity price. Investment is also required in modernizing the existing energy system and extending the lifespan of oil shale boilers until new dispatchable generation capacities are completed.
4 Speeches Analyzed