Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Debate on Foreign Policy as an Issue of Significant National Importance, initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee
2024-02-13
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is heavily centered on security and defense, demanding the full implementation of General Herem’s recommendations and the consideration of a national defense loan to ensure Estonia's maximum armament. The second priority is internal security, where there is an urgent demand to revoke the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local government elections, justifying this with the current state of war and the threat posed by the representation of a terrorist state's values.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the realm of foreign and security policy, referencing specific military recommendations (General Herem) and the necessity of Estonia's defense readiness. Knowledge of constitutional processes is also highlighted in relation to amending voting rights and the European Union context regarding non-citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and urgent, containing both words of thanks that inspire hope for the security policy makers and sharp demands for immediate action. The speaker uses value-based arguments (will to defend, the values of a terrorist state) to emphasize political goals, stressing the need to feel more secure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the coalition partner, who has blocked the revocation of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections. The criticism is intense, accusing the other party of representing the interests of residents who uphold the values of a terrorist state, both in local municipalities and in presidential elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledged the broad cooperation and unity between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence in supporting Ukraine and formulating security policy. However, regarding the domestic security issue (voting rights), the style of cooperation has been demanding and uncompromising, leading to criticism of the coalition partner's opposition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on national security (defense readiness, the national defense loan) and international affairs (supporting Ukraine, NATO). Local or regional issues are not covered, apart from the question of suffrage in local government elections, which is significant in the context of internal security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically, the speaker supports taking out a national defense loan to fully finance General Herem's recommendations. This demonstrates a willingness to increase the national debt for the sake of security and defense readiness, prioritizing security over fiscal discipline.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections, with the speaker demanding the immediate revocation of this right. This stance emphasizes internal security and loyalty to the state, deeming the current tolerance shown toward non-citizens unacceptable in a wartime situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is centered on two priorities: securing the financing of national defense (a potential national defense loan) and amending the constitution to strip citizens of Russia and Belarus of their right to vote in local municipal elections. The speaker is taking the role of the initiator, demanding swift legislative action and pointing to the European Parliament elections as the quickest opportunity to amend the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed