Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Family Benefits Act (659 SE) - first reading
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is centered on population policy and the birth rate crisis, emphasizing the critical need for stable and supportive family policies. There is strong support for a draft bill that would raise the allowance for the first and second child, as well as for single parents, to 100 euros, thereby valuing all children equally. The previous reduction of family benefits by the Reform Party is sharply criticized as a "hostile signal" to families, and immediate action is demanded. The stance is strongly value-based (stability, care) and aimed at achieving demographic objectives.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise in the field of population policy, the Family Benefits Act, and analyses conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs, referencing their previous tenure as Minister of Population. They utilize specific budget figures, such as the €10–11 million surplus resulting from low birth rates and the cost of the draft bill (€50–60 million). Their positions are based on the recommendations and research of demographers, emphasizing an evidence-based approach.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is insistent and passionate, combining emotional appeals (children are priceless, the state is unstable) and a detailed procedural overview from the Social Affairs Committee. It employs rhetoric emphasizing political signals ("politics is the art of signals") and includes direct appeals to members of the opposing party, asking them to save the bill. It sharply contrasts the words and deeds of the Reform Party, demanding that they undergo a conversion and become "Pauls from Sauls."
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active in the work of the Social Affairs Committee, presenting the lead committee's report on the draft bill under discussion after requesting that role for himself for personal reasons. He refers to his participation in a working group (on the topic of the personalized state) and the recent no-confidence motion against the Minister of Social Affairs, during which he posed questions to the minister. The pace is intense and focuses on parliamentary procedural processes.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition to the Reform Party, which is considered the primary obstacle to developing a consensus population policy and is often referred to as the "snag" or "stump." [The opposition] criticizes the Reform Party for previously cutting family benefits and for their current desire to kill the pending bill, accusing them of breaking their word. The criticism is both policy- and value-based, accusing the opponent of sending hostile signals to families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Urges strongly the need for cross-party consensus and a societal agreement regarding population policy, citing the earlier appeal made by the Isamaa Women's Council (IREN). It sees positive signs of cooperation within the Social Affairs Committee, noting that the committee chairwoman, Signe Riisalo, has begun searching for common ground. It is open to cooperation but demands that this be manifested in immediate actions, not merely in promises.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national family policy and the birth rate, issues that impact all of Estonia. It specifically highlights that the hobby group subsidy for large families, which was previously revoked, had significantly benefited families in rural areas, thus underscoring the needs of these rural regions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports the increase of family benefits and demands that the budget surplus (estimated at 10–11 million euros) generated in the social and education sectors due to low birth rates be immediately channeled back into family policy. It emphasizes the importance of improving the economic self-sufficiency and stability of families, contrasting this with the needs-based approach that even withdrew benefits from large families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is placed on the social aspect of birth rates and family support, demanding the equal valuation of all children and an increase in benefits for every child. It highlights the challenges large families and single parents face in making ends meet, criticizing the state's instability regarding family policy. Furthermore, it expresses concern that officials are "stripping people bare" through the use of a needs-based approach.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is supporting and advancing the draft amendment to the Family Benefits Act (659 SE), submitted by the Social Democrats, to its second reading. [The representative] works as a representative of the lead committee to ensure the bill’s debate and emphasizes the need for immediate measures, rather than waiting until the spring of 2026 for the Ministry of Social Affairs’ comprehensive package.
8 Speeches Analyzed