Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Considering the material from the Riigikogu budget control committee’s Monday discussion on price increases, Eurostat’s comparative data regarding price increases, the Institute for Economic Research’s latest barometer, the March Eurobarometer survey, and Isamaa’s recent proposals on how to mitigate inflation (reducing government spending with a negative supplementary budget and abolishing increases in indirect taxes – gas, petrol, electricity and diesel excise duties, and VAT – in the coming months), conclusions regarding government policy.
2025-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the government's tax policy (VAT, excise duties, car tax), emphasizing that these measures exacerbate poverty and regional decline. Key issues include the rising cost of living, particularly the 7% increase in food prices, and the government’s failure to keep its promise regarding the temporary nature of the VAT hike. The stance is highly critical, focusing on social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups (large families, people with disabilities). The political framework is primarily value-based, highlighting Estonia's "hidden side"—namely, poverty.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of tax policy (VAT, excise duties, car tax) and socio-economic indicators, referencing a specific percentage (7%) for the rise in food prices. Furthermore, expertise is highlighted regarding regional development and the pressure exerted by internal migration towards major growth centers, citing the population numbers for Harju County and Tallinn. The core expertise centers on the direct impact of tax hikes on purchasing power and regional development.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, anxious, and confrontational, addressing the Prime Minister directly. It utilizes both emotional appeals (poverty, the struggles of families with children) and logical arguments (tax hikes, the decline in purchasing power). The speech is formal (delivered before the Riigikogu), but its content is intensely critical, highlighting the government's inaction regarding regional marginalization and the high cost of living.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government and the prime minister, focusing on political decisions such as raising taxes and breaking promises regarding the temporary nature of the value-added tax. The stance is intensely oppositional, accusing the government of ignoring poverty and regional decline, and demanding concrete solutions. The criticism is policy- and performance-based.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, highlighting the problem of peripheralization and the pressure of internal migration toward major growth centers (Tallinn, Harju County, Tartu). The speaker demands solutions for residents of peripheral areas to prevent internal migration in search of better wages and services. Retaining residents in these peripheral areas is directly associated with the question of national security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, claiming they diminish people's purchasing power and lower the overall quality of life. Specific criticism is aimed at the introduction of indirect taxes (such as VAT and excise duties) and new levies (like the proposed car tax), arguing that these negatively impact the affordability of essential goods. The underlying economic stance is that inflation should be eased by avoiding tax increases.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are central, focusing on poverty, the ability of families with children and single elderly people to cope, and the needs of people with disabilities. Particular attention is drawn to the impact of the rising cost of living and the availability of essential goods (foodstuffs), which is forcing people into internal migration. Social justice in taxation is demanded for large families and people with disabilities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on opposing the government's policies, particularly concerning tax hikes and fiscal policy, which run counter to the proposals put forth by Isamaa. The speaker demands that the government provide solutions to mitigate the rising cost of living and the pressures of internal migration, positioning themselves as a strong opponent of the government's current legislative direction.
1 Speeches Analyzed