Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Second reading of the draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, as well as amending the Act on Support for Working Capacity (604 SE)
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker adopts a cautious and value-based stance, stressing that the declaration of end-of-life wishes must not evolve into a precursor for euthanasia. He supports the name of the draft bill but opposes its adoption until comprehensive palliative care is universally accessible and its action plan is finalized. This position is strongly tied to ethical and social values, emphasizing the supreme value of life. The political focus is directed toward the organization of healthcare and the ethical regulation of end-of-life matters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in palliative care, bioethics, and legislation concerning end-of-life declarations. They use specific terminology (psychosocial, spiritual, and mental support) and refer both to medical experts (oncologist Tiina Tasmuth) and legal precedents (the Supreme Court decision in the case of Paul Tammert). Furthermore, they are familiar with the timeline for developing the Ministry of Social Affairs’ action plans.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, cautious, and concerned, balancing logical demands (the palliative care action plan) with moral and ethical warnings. The speaker uses formal language, referencing experts and the experiences of foreign countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada) to emphasize the danger of the slippery slope. He also uses a personal example (his mother) and quotes authorities (a bishop, an oncologist) to add weight to his argument.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been actively involved in processing the draft bill, participating in the Social Affairs Committee discussions since the first debate on the legislative intent approximately a year ago. He/She has posed additional questions and heard out all parties, including representatives of the medical community and the Chancellor of Justice. He/She has also previously addressed the Riigikogu (Parliament) from the podium on the same subject.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the drafters of the bill and the Ministry of Social Affairs, as they have prioritized the acceptance of the end-of-life declaration ahead of the development of national guidelines and an action plan for palliative care. There is strong opposition to any further steps toward euthanasia and assisted suicide, which is viewed as a potential threat. The criticism is primarily procedural and ethical in nature.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes that all parties involved (the medical community, the Chancellor of Justice, the Bioethics Council) have been heard by the Social Affairs Committee, and their standpoints must be taken seriously. He supports the opinion of his colleague Priit Sibul regarding the title of the draft legislation, demonstrating a readiness to cooperate with colleagues who hold similar views.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level, addressing Estonian legislation, the healthcare system, and the cultural environment. Examples from foreign countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada) are used solely to illustrate cautionary scenarios, emphasizing that Estonia must exercise caution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives were presented critically, noting that during the initial debates on the draft bill, there was a strong emphasis on austerity measures within the healthcare system, which sparked fear among the elderly that they would become a burden. The speaker hopes that the money saved will be used to improve other treatment options, rather than simply being used for cost-cutting.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is the ultimate value of human life and the protection of vulnerable groups (the elderly) who fear becoming a burden. The speaker uses a moral and spiritual framework to emphasize the need for holistic palliative care and to warn against euthanasia and assisted suicide. He also refers to the position of a Catholic Church bishop regarding the final wish.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the End-of-Life Declaration Bill (604 SE), the adoption of which the speaker conditionally opposes. The primary priority is the swift development and adoption of national guidelines and an action plan for palliative care, ensuring pain management and improved quality of life before any steps are taken toward ending life.
3 Speeches Analyzed