Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Inquiry regarding coping policies (no 736)
2025-05-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on sharp criticism of the government's tax increases (the "tax hike frenzy") and its livelihood policies. The primary focus is on the government breaking its promises (Michal/Kallas) and the resulting negative impact on people's ability to cope financially. The speaker demands a tax truce and accuses the government of demagoguery and creating the Reform Party's tax wedge.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of tax policy, citing specific increases and amounts (over a billion euros, 500 million), and of the social sphere, particularly concerning the psychosocial aspects of poverty and difficulties in coping. Economic forecasts are utilized, referencing the Bank of Estonia's inflation projections (6–7%) and comparisons of the burden of indirect taxation across the European Union. Furthermore, detailed knowledge regarding cuts to benefits for large families and income tax reform is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, accusatory, and emotional, frequently employing rhetorical questions and direct admonitions ("Stop deceiving the people!"). The speaker uses both factual arguments (listing tax hikes) and moral appeals, describing the shame and suffering of those living in poverty. The government's actions are described as cynical, and the minister is accused of failing to answer questions, pointing to the "silo mentality" prevalent among the ministries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is related to submitting interpellations in the Riigikogu, where the speaker actively participates in questioning ministers regarding welfare policy. Participation as a member of the Social Affairs Committee is mentioned, and reference is made to last week's session, which demonstrates consistent activity in the social sector. During the session, the speaker requested additional time to present their views.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are the Reform Party-led government, Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and Minister of Social Affairs Joller. The criticism is intense, focusing both on the political substance (the tax hike/frenzy, budget cuts) and the government's operational style, specifically accusing them of demagoguery and outright lying. The minister is particularly sharply criticized for refusing to answer questions regarding tax increases, citing a lack of inter-ministerial cooperation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus remains primarily on the national level (tax policy, inflation), but critics highlight the negative impact of social cuts. They specifically mention the abolition of the hobby group allowance for large families, which had been crucial in helping children, especially those in rural areas, access extracurricular activities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, particularly concerning indirect taxes (VAT, excises), which disproportionately harm the poorer segments of society. They demand tax stability and accuse the government of taking over a billion euros out of people’s pockets. The speaker emphasizes that tax hikes will inevitably lead to price increases, which will worsen people’s ability to cope financially.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the speaker is a powerful advocate for people living in poverty and facing financial hardship, as well as for large families. The cuts to social benefits are sharply criticized, including the removal of support for large families and funding for extracurricular activities. It is stressed that people living in poverty feel shame and embarrassment, and that the government's policy sends mixed signals of neglect.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at opposing existing tax legislation (the rise in VAT, excises, and the car tax) and reforms related to social policy (specifically, cuts to benefits for large families). The speaker operates as a critic and opponent of the government's lawmaking, demanding an action plan to curb price hikes.
4 Speeches Analyzed