Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry Regarding Rural Areas (no. 713)
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed towards reducing regional inequality and ensuring the viability of rural areas, a situation which is also viewed as a security threat. The speaker sharply criticizes the government’s tax decisions and service cuts, arguing that they exacerbate the marginalization of remote regions and accelerate internal migration towards major centers. The prevailing view is that the state returns less to rural areas than it extracts from them, characterizing this as the greatest failure of post-reindependence policy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of regional policy and the financing of local governments, emphasizing four components essential for life in rural areas (infrastructure, education, shops, healthcare). Specialized knowledge is utilized in the discussion of the income tax system (at the 2009 level) and motivational mechanisms concerning corporate income tax. Reference is also made to previous presentations of development strategies in the Riigikogu and the departure of state institutions from Põlva County.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, forceful, and at times emotional, particularly when highlighting the contradiction between the government's actions and promises. Strong phrases are employed, such as "the biggest failure," and the opposing side is accused of hypocrisy or "overt arrogance." Nevertheless, the new minister is acknowledged for providing substantive answers, maintaining a debate tone that is official yet passionate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker initiated the inquiry under discussion on January 27, 2025, and is actively participating in its debate in the Riigikogu late this evening. Reference was also made to monitoring the media coverage ("Aktuaalne kaamera") regarding the problems faced by rural areas. The speaker mentioned their previous work at the ministry and welcomed former colleagues from the regional policy department.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition, especially the Reform Party, who are accused of ignoring regional problems, as well as the Social Democrats and former minister Piret Hartman, who are accused of hypocrisy (their words were the exact opposite of their actions). Criticism is directed at political decisions (tax increases) and Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, who is accused of "acting insolently" regarding the financing of local governments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is prepared to recognize representatives of the opposing side, commending the new minister, Hendrik Johannes Terra, for his competent and substantive address. Simultaneously, the necessity of overcoming the resistance of the coalition partner (the Reform Party) is stressed in order to achieve regional policy goals. Former colleagues from the ministry are warmly greeted, with reference made to their prior collaboration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the depopulation and marginalization of rural and peripheral areas. Specific examples highlighted include Põlva County, Räpina municipality (the closure of stores in Leevaku and Veriora), and the departure of state institutions. It is emphasized that only major centers of attraction, such as Tallinn and Tartu, benefit from the population growth trends affecting rural areas.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the proposed tax hikes (VAT, car tax, fuel excise duty, income tax), arguing that they disproportionately undermine the financial stability of rural residents. The proposal supports increasing incentives for local municipalities to create jobs by suggesting that corporate income tax revenue be directed to the local government level. Furthermore, they demand that the percentage of personal income tax allocated to local municipalities be restored to the pre-crisis level of 2009.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the ability of families with children in rural areas to cope, emphasizing the need to guarantee essential services and educational institutions close to home. Government cuts are being criticized, especially the reduction of subsidies for extracurricular activity fees, which comes at the expense of children from large families. This makes living in the countryside progressively more impossible for young, vibrant families.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards opposing the government's tax increases and cuts that exacerbate regional inequality. Looking ahead, emphasis is placed on the necessity of introducing a regional impact assessment for every draft bill before its final approval. Furthermore, changes to the income tax system are demanded in order to boost the motivation of local governments.
5 Speeches Analyzed