Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement (420 AE) "On Declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an Institution Supporting the Military Aggression of the Russian Federation"
2024-05-02
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is values-driven, emphasizing respect for the feelings of believers and religious freedom in connection with the discussion of the statement concerning the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate. Although the statement itself is supported ("we will vote in favor"), the procedural process and the issuing of inappropriate assessments are severely criticized. The core conflict revolves around whether it is courteous to grant an audience to the President of the Council of Churches when he requests that the sentiments of believers not be insulted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of Estonian cultural history, linking the start of the national awakening period to the church doors, and is well-versed in the role and prayers of the President of the Council of Churches. The speaker calls into question the opponents' understanding of cultural history, thereby emphasizing their own authority in this domain. This knowledge is employed in defense of religious freedom and historical nationalism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is defensive and at times aggressive, utilizing strong emotional appeals focused on offending the feelings of believers and highlighting a lack of respect. Direct personal accusations (aimed at Juku-Kalle Raid) and rhetorical questions are employed to emphasize the opposing side's incomprehension ("what is it that they don't understand?"). The tone is rather formal, but sharp and demanding in its content.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient Data. (Only two procedural questions/comments from the same day are visible.)
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at Juku-Kalle Raid, who stands accused of ignorance regarding cultural history and attacking his fellow members in the context of Patriarch Kirill’s actions. Furthermore, the presenter of the statement (Jaak) is criticized for the procedural process, which fails to consider the delicate feelings of the faithful, and he is also accused of framing the issue incorrectly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation within their faction, confirming that Isamaa supports the statement unanimously and has voted in favor of it. At the same time, openness and courtesy are required when hearing the requests of the President of the Council of Churches, citing the need to respect external parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data. (The focus is on the national level (Riigikogu) and the international level (Moscow Patriarchate, Kirill); references to specific regional problems are missing.)
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is religious freedom and the protection of believers' sentiments during political debates, emphasizing that insulting these sentiments is unacceptable. The topic is framed within the context of historical nationalism, where the church has played a significant role in the formation of Estonian statehood.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the procedural process and the ensuing debate regarding the Riigikogu declaration to name the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the Russian Federation's military aggression. The speaker is a substantive supporter of the declaration but remains a procedural critic, calling for the avoidance of undue judgments and the consultation of the Council of Churches.
2 Speeches Analyzed