Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Interpellation concerning the rise in costs (No. 354)
2024-01-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political focus is on cost savings and state budget efficiency, emphasizing the need to utilize existing solutions. The speaker sharply criticizes the current government's inability to implement the austerity measures planned during the previous administration. This position is strongly results-oriented, concentrating on specific financial decisions such as the cancellation of the construction of the Environment House and the relocation of ministries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of public administration costs and real estate (specifically referencing the empty rooms in the super-ministry building) as well as specific budget projects (the Environment House). The expertise is particularly strong regarding regional policy financing mechanisms (the equalization fund) and the regulations governing European Union funds. Personal negotiation experience with Commissioner Elisa Ferreira is cited, indicating a profound understanding of EU bureaucracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, critical, and directly interrogative, employing repeated rhetorical questions ("What about...?") regarding potential solutions and areas for savings. The tone is demanding and focuses on logical arguments, listing specific examples from previous cost-saving proposals. The speaker uses an emotional appeal, describing the EU rules as "unjust" and "ridiculous."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is participating in the inquiry, posing detailed questions to the minister. Reference is made to their previous activity as a minister, including repeated negotiations with the European Commission Commissioner regarding the easing of EU fund rules.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the current government and the minister, who are accused of ignoring the previous government's austerity plans under the guise of seeking solutions. The criticism is political and focuses on inefficient public administration and costly projects, such as the construction of the Environment House. The inflexible rules governing European Union funds are also criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to previous cooperation with the current minister in the previous government ("where we were together"), which indicates a shared political background. The current style is rather demanding, asking for explanations as to why previously agreed-upon solutions have been discarded. In foreign relations, the speaker, while serving as minister, showed an active readiness to negotiate with the EU Commissioner to ease regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the need to help struggling regions through the reallocation of the equalization fund. It also addresses regional policy more broadly, criticizing the rigidity of EU funds, which hinders the development of new projects, particularly in these struggling areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly geared toward cost savings and the efficiency of the state apparatus, standing in opposition to new construction projects that cost tens of millions of euros. It supports fiscal discipline and identifies potential savings within the administrative expenditures of ministries. It advocates for regional support by restructuring the equalization fund.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on budget and administrative reforms, which include relocating ministries and canceling major construction projects to achieve cost savings. Another key priority is changing the rigid rules governing European Union funds to mitigate the risk of clawbacks and encourage the drafting of new projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed