Agenda Profile: Riina Solman

The political platform is fiercely opposed to the government's (Reform Party's) economic and tax policies, stressing that these measures exacerbate poverty and regional decline. Key concerns include the population's risk of impoverishment, a cascading series of tax increases, and regional disparities, particularly affecting young families and the middle class. This position is performance-based, criticizing the government's failure to improve citizens' ability to cope financially, and culminates in a demand for snap elections. The policy objectives are to reinstate tax incentives for families with children and index pensions to the cost of living.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of tax policy, referencing specific increases (such as the rise of VAT and income tax to 24%) and 26 different types of taxes. Statistical data is utilized regarding forecasts for the spread of poverty and regional indicators, noting that a quarter of the population could fall into poverty. Reference is made to the UN 2030 goals and measurable indicators monitored by the State Chancellery and Statistics Estonia.

The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and combative, especially when addressing the Prime Minister, whom the speaker accuses of "sleight of hand" and speaking in the "language of slogans." Strong emotional expressions are employed ("tax festival," "insane," "crushed") alongside stark contrasts between the government's promises and the actual economic situation. The speaker presents their views assertively, demanding that the government "tell the truth" and appeal to its conscience.

The pattern of activity includes active participation in parliamentary work, having initiated, together with fellow faction members, an inquiry to the Prime Minister regarding poverty in April. The speaker participates in procedural matters and requests additional time to present their views.

The primary opponent is the Reform Party-led government and the prime minister, who stand accused of destroying the economy's competitiveness and degrading people's living standards. The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on tax hikes, the elimination of the tax exemption for land under one's home, and the unjust impact resulting from the abolition of the "tax hump." The opposition is intense and uncompromising, demanding the government's resignation and the calling of snap elections.

The style of cooperation is intra-factional, as the interpellation was submitted together with faction colleagues, and it references the contribution of another colleague (Lauri Laats) in presenting the poverty indicators. There are no references to non-governmental or inter-party compromises, since the government's policy is considered unacceptable.

The regional focus is very strong, centering on peripherization and the spread of poverty outside major centers. Specific emphasis is placed on the situation in Ida-Virumaa (where over a third of the population lives in relative poverty), Võru, Valga, Põlvamaa, and the islands, contrasting them with the "golden circle" of Tallinn and Tartu. Regional support packages, infrastructure development, and the accessibility of medical care and education are demanded even outside these major centers.

Our economic platform strongly supports lowering taxes and supporting incomes, especially for low-wage earners and families. We oppose the increase of 26 different types of taxes, which fuels inflation and burdens the middle class, and criticize the government for taking a billion euros directly from taxpayers' pockets. We demand relief from the tax burden on working people, the restoration of tax benefits for families with children, and linking pensions to the cost of living.

The dominant social themes include poverty prevention, supporting young families' ability to cope, and improving the demographic situation to prevent young people from leaving Estonia. Emphasis is placed on the need to support homeowners and families raising children. Furthermore, the plan to bring Swedish prisoners to Estonia is criticized, drawing attention to the resulting reputational damage and security concerns.

The legislative focus is currently aimed at reforming the tax system to support families and lower-income households, specifically calling for the reinstatement of tax breaks for families with children. Social policy is also a priority, including a review of the minimum subsistence level, and tying pension indexation directly to the cost of living. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the government’s current "tax festival" and its social policies.