Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act (387 SE)
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position heavily emphasizes the necessity of controlling pro-Kremlin manifestations and foreign influences, citing Latvia as a model for this approach. Furthermore, concern is highlighted regarding Estonia's failure to integrate its large immigrant population (33%). The politician strongly advocates for passing the required legislation, even in the absence of parliamentary consensus, framing the matter as a question of security and value-based considerations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding EU member states' immigration statistics, pointing out the high share (33%) held by Estonia and Latvia compared to the Nordic countries (10%). They use this data to substantiate the extent of integration problems and are familiar with the practice of granting voting rights to third-country nationals in Europe. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about the political situation in Latvia and the measures taken to control foreign influence activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and concerned, focusing on facts and international comparisons. The speaker relies on logical arguments, utilizing percentage figures and specific references (e.g., Malmö) to emphasize the seriousness of the problem. The tone is urgent, especially regarding the need to advance legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the lack of consensus in parliament, which is preventing the passing of necessary legislation, and at previous policies that have resulted in a large unintegrated immigrant population. Opposition is also directed at pro-Kremlin manifestations and influence operations, which must be brought under control within the country.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style indicates a low willingness to compromise on this issue, as the speaker is requesting a mechanism for adopting the law even in the absence of parliamentary consensus. He focuses more on finding a solution that guarantees the law's passage, rather than on achieving consensus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on the national level (Estonian immigration and integration issues) as well as international comparisons. Particular emphasis is placed on Latvia’s experience in bringing pro-Kremlin manifestations under control and on Nordic immigration statistics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker heavily emphasizes the social issues stemming from immigration and integration, pointing out that Estonia, alongside Latvia, leads the EU in the proportion of recent immigrants. He views the 33% unintegrated immigrant population as a serious problem directly tied to national security and the management of foreign influence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the passing of the "necessary law" (likely the draft Act amending the Local Government Council Election Act). The speaker is a strong proponent of this amendment and is seeking a mechanism from Parliament to enact this law despite the lack of consensus.
2 Speeches Analyzed