Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry Regarding the Coping of Pensioners (No. 726)
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker heavily focuses on the issue of pensioner poverty and livelihood, emphasizing that Estonia’s elderly population is the poorest in the European Union. He/She adopts a strong opposing stance toward the government’s economic policy, which specifically burdens low-income groups with tax hikes (income tax on pensions, and excise duties). The political framework is value-based, stressing the dignity and humanity of the elderly, and is critical of the government's inability to deliver on its promises.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep knowledge of social protection and pension system data, citing relevant indices from the European Union and the UN, as well as European Commission reports. They use statistics regarding social protection expenditure (18.7% of GDP vs. the EU average of 27%) and pensioners' income (53% of the income of working-age people). Furthermore, they are familiar with the areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs, such as population policy and the life course theme, as well as the details of the draft bill concerning disability benefits.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly serious, concerned, and at times emotional, especially when discussing the suffering and lack of dignity experienced by the generation that survived the Second World War. The style is formal but contains sharp criticism directed at the government, calling it the "government of uncertainty" and criticizing the "slogan-driven nature of the Reform Party." Both statistical data and personal stories, as well as historical references (the occupation period), are used to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active submitter of interpellations, noting that this is already the second inquiry they are addressing to the Minister of Social Affairs. They have attended several meetings of the federation of pensioners' associations, which points to direct contact with the target group and the gathering of feedback outside the Riigikogu hall.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government coalition and the Reform Party, accusing them of breaking promises (specifically, the tax-free average pension) and pushing the elderly into poverty through tax hikes. The criticism is also procedural, demanding accountability from ministers and substantive responses to parliamentary inquiries. Separately, Lauri Läänemets, the representative of the Social Democrats, is being criticized for his "irrelevant, uninformed, and sweeping criticism" regarding the Isamaa initiative.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation with the federations of pensioners’ associations, from whom they receive feedback and points of concern. At the level of the Riigikogu (Parliament), the speaker demonstrates a willingness to defend the initiatives of other opposition parties (Isamaa), while simultaneously refuting criticism regarding the liberalization of the second pension pillar. The speaker also thanks Heljo Pikhof (SDE) for a procedural observation, which signals an openness to constructive dialogue on procedural matters.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national social and economic policy issues, though sparsely populated areas are also mentioned. It is emphasized that the increase in fuel excise duty, the introduction of a car tax, and the reduction of public transport services have effectively rendered lower-income earners, including pensioners, "serfs" in their own communities.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly opposes the proposed tax hikes (income tax on pensions, excise duties, the car tax, and land tax), arguing that they are proportionally unfair to people with lower net incomes. He/She demands clarity and transparency in the state budget and criticizes the allocation of billions toward the green transition and the re-wetting of land areas before the basic livelihood of pensioners has been secured. He/She points out that pensioners spend their money within Estonia (at grocery stores and pharmacies), which ultimately returns to the state as tax revenue.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is placed on ensuring the elderly can cope with dignity, addressing labor market problems faced by older individuals (specifically, CVs being discarded for those aged 55 and over), and the freefall of the birth rate. He/She calls for a discussion on the topic of euthanasia and assisted suicide but sharply criticizes the Ministry of Social Affairs working group, which linked the legalization of advance directives (end-of-life declarations) to cost savings, emphasizing the absolute primacy of ethics and human dignity.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on submitting inquiries to the Minister of Social Affairs regarding the livelihood and social protection of pensioners. He/She criticizes draft legislation that proposes a ridiculously small increase in disability benefits (just a few dozen cents). Government plans for digital solutions in healthcare are also under fire, as they fail to address the shortage of family doctors or reduce waiting lists.
7 Speeches Analyzed