Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the State Audit Act, the Political Parties Act, and other laws (control body for political party funding) – first reading.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the draft amendment to the State Audit Office Act (599 SE), which concerns the oversight of political party financing. This stance is results-oriented, emphasizing the necessity of increasing financial accountability and auditing, citing the recent grilling of the minister. The speaker criticizes the coalition, which might derail this good bill, thereby casting doubt on their commitment to transparency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of financial oversight mechanisms, referencing the role of ERJK (the Commission for the Supervision of Party Financing) and auditing processes. Furthermore, they possess a detailed understanding of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) Rules of Procedure and the practice of chairing a session when closing the question period. They use specific examples of high-level financial control (the grilling of Võrklaev).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and occasionally ironic, employing rhetorical questions and calculation problems (the ERJK bill) to bring political accountability to the forefront. It utilizes personalized examples (Võrklaev, Ando Kiviberg) to underscore both political responsibility and procedural injustice. The tone is formal, yet it incorporates sharp digs and humor.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The individual demonstrates activity during the session, participating both in the substantive debate on the draft legislation and by submitting procedural questions to the presiding officer. The speaker pays close attention to the timing of the closure of the question period and is prepared to challenge the chair’s rulings based on the established rules of procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the coalition, who are being warned against derailing a good bill, with critics pointing to the coalition’s lack of accountability. Furthermore, the chair of the session is being criticized for procedural unfairness in closing the question period, with critics noting that other chairs handle similar situations differently. The criticism is based on both policy and procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It mentions Viljandi Folk and the activities of its leader (Ando Kiviberg), introducing the context of a regional cultural event. However, this regional example is primarily used to illustrate the theme of financial responsibility and for ironic comparison.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives center on financial transparency and accountability, both within political parties and at the ministerial level. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of evaluating expenditures and auditing senior officials, requiring strict fiscal discipline and oversight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is clearly on draft bill 599 SE, which concerns amendments to the State Audit Office Act and the Political Parties Act, thereby establishing an oversight body for the financing of political parties. The speaker is a strong supporter of this bill, which increases financial accountability, and desires its passage.
2 Speeches Analyzed