Agenda Profile: Riina Solman

Inquiry concerning immigration (No. 588)

2024-02-05

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political focus centers on strong opposition to the government’s immigration policy, which ministers are presenting as a solution to the demographic and economic crisis. The speaker sharply criticizes the plan to import cheap labor at a time when unemployment figures are rising in Estonia. This stance is articulated through pointed questions and criticism of the government's actions, making it strongly results-oriented.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of specific statements made by government ministers (Signe Riisalo, Minister of IT and Entrepreneurship) regarding immigration. They rely on economic data, citing the assessment made by Peeter Raudsepp, head of the Estonian Institute of Economic Research, concerning the rise in unemployment in Estonia. Emphasis is placed on the need for impact analyses concerning social sector expenditures.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct and critical, posing pointed questions to the Prime Minister regarding comments made by ministers. Logical arguments are employed, highlighting economic indicators (unemployment) and the absence of impact analyses concerning social sphere expenditures. The tone is formal and centers on political accountability.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data regarding activity patterns (frequency, rhythm, and events) is insufficient.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and its ministers, whose pro-immigration statements are being criticized. The criticism is policy-based, focusing on the government's intention to solve problems by bringing in cheap labor at a time when unemployment is prevalent in the country.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data on cooperation, willingness to compromise, or a cross-party coalition.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, centering on Estonia's economic indicators (unemployment) and the effects on the social sphere.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives highlight concerns regarding high unemployment and opposition to importing cheap labor for the purpose of stimulating the economy. There is a demand for fiscal responsibility, specifically calling for impact assessments of social sphere expenditures.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social topic is immigration, which is being addressed critically in relation to solving the demographic crisis and expenditures in the social sphere. The speaker opposes controlled immigration if it results in social costs and worsens the labor market situation.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on holding the executive branch accountable and demanding clarification of policy through parliamentary inquiries. The priority issue is the absence of impact assessments concerning the government's immigration policy and its associated costs.

1 Speeches Analyzed