Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Poverty
2025-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political focus centers on combating poverty and regional marginalization, particularly by improving the economic well-being of families with children. The speaker strongly backs state initiatives aimed at increasing the birth rate and criticizes the Reform Party governments for implementing tax increases and benefit cuts. The political framework is results-oriented, highlighting the positive achievements of previous administrations (Jüri Ratas’s second government) in improving poverty metrics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of social policy and statistics, citing the UN's poverty eradication goals and 2023 data provided by Statistics Estonia. They utilize specific figures concerning the impact of social transfers (for instance, a 9% prevention rate regarding relative poverty) and highlight the outcomes of particular measures, such as the large family benefit, which resulted in a 25% increase in births. Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge of the operational mechanisms of the pension system (Pillar II) and its overall economic effect.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is formal, yet sharp, critical, and demanding, including direct corrections aimed at the prime minister (e.g., concerning the Second Pillar issue). It employs both emotional appeals (referencing the "fragile nation-state" and "Estonia's hidden side") and strong data-based argumentation to highlight the extent of poverty and regional inequality. It uses figurative language, referring to previously successful policies as the "little golden key."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu's question sessions, submitting the content of their questions ahead of time. They also take part in committee work, having mentioned a discussion in the Social Affairs Committee just the day before this address. This consistent pattern demonstrates a commitment to raising socio-political issues both before the full parliament and within the committees.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Reform Party governments, who are accused of taking money from the public through tax increases and benefit cuts. The criticism is policy-driven and intense, accusing the government of deepening poverty and ignoring regional inequality. Furthermore, the current second pillar pension system is criticized, as it supports bank fund managers and foreign pensioners, rather than the Estonian economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the successful cooperation and political will of the previous coalition (Jüri Ratas's second government), which led to an improvement in living standards. They also mentioned a recent discussion in the Social Affairs Committee with Signe Riisalo (likely a government representative) regarding an earlier measure that was approved, pointing to pragmatic cooperation when assessing specific policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker maintains a strong regional focus, emphasizing peripheralization and wage poverty, which compels residents to relocate to major growth centers. They specifically identify the regions hardest hit by poverty: the islands, Võru, Valga, Põlva, and Ida-Viru counties, noting that relative poverty is exceptionally high there (exceeding one-third of the population in Ida-Viru County).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes tax increases and benefit cuts that diminish people's ability to cope financially. He advocates for channeling state resources toward families with children to alleviate material poverty. Regarding pension policy, he criticizes the current solidarity system of the Second Pillar, arguing that it neither stimulates the local economy nor assists low-wage earners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on the low birth rate and poverty among families with children. The birth rate is viewed as a national security issue, tied to preserving the "fragile nation-state" and the Estonian language and culture. It stresses that children are not being born specifically because of material constraints, particularly in peripheral areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is placed on assessing social measures and benefits, and calling for new initiatives aimed at poverty reduction among families with children. It highlights the success of previous legislative achievements (such as the large family benefit and COVID-19 crisis measures) and calls upon the government to present concrete plans for achieving these goals, especially considering the UN's 2030 poverty eradication target.
2 Speeches Analyzed