Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The speaker is a staunch opponent of the government coalition's fiscal and social policies, focusing specifically on opposing new taxes (a car tax, an income tax increase) and cuts to family benefits. His/her views are intensely value-driven, emphasizing the protection of large families, pensioners, and residents of rural areas. State security is also a key issue, particularly regarding the voting rights of Russian citizens and uncontrolled immigration.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits consistent and detailed expertise in the field of social policy, addressing topics such as family benefits, the taxation of pensions, and the care reform, while specifically citing audits conducted by the National Audit Office. They also maintain a strong focus on regional policy, analyzing the impact of taxation and the closure of state agencies on rural areas. To bolster their arguments, the speaker utilizes specific statistical data (e.g., birth rates, tax revenues).
23 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s rhetorical style is combative and forceful, often employing emotional and personal appeals (e.g., the desperate pleas of large families, a heartbreaking letter) to illustrate the negative impact of policy. They are highly critical of opponents, accusing ministers of violating the constitution, inciting hatred, and lying (e.g., referencing Kaja Kallas). The style is formal, but often sharp and adversarial.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the Riigikogu, regularly submitting formal inquiries (interpellations) and proposals to the Prime Minister and several ministers (Signe Riisalo, Kristen Michal, Lauri Läänemets, Kristina Kallas, Piret Hartman, Igor Taro). His activity is often reactive, quickly responding to events and news covered in the media (e.g., the EKA decision, an AK news report, Maaleht).
23 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government led by the Reform Party and specific ministers, especially the Minister of Social Protection, Signe Riisalo, who is being called "the most child-hostile minister in Estonian history." The criticism is both political (tax hikes, cuts) and personal, accusing the opponents of unethical behavior (business interests related to nursing homes, violation of political culture) and lying. No willingness to compromise has been expressed.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker clearly operates on behalf of the Isamaa parliamentary group, often submitting interpellations alongside their faction colleagues (e.g., Riina Solman, Urmas Reinsalu, Priit Sibul, Aivar Kokk). This cooperation is confined to initiatives within the faction; there are no indications of broader cross-party collaboration.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker maintains a strong regional focus, underscoring the negative impact of government policy on rural areas. They highlight that the car tax and the disappearance of public services (such as the Tax and Customs Board, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and local shops) exacerbate regional inequality and complicate family life in the countryside (citing examples like Lääne-Nigula municipality, Leevaku, and Veriora).
23 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes tax increases (car tax, income tax) and damaging the state budget, criticizing the plan to abolish the tax hump as a 500 million euro loss to the national treasury. He defends liberal principles in savings management, specifically advocating for the liberalization of the second pension pillar. In his view, economic policy should support the financial security of families and prevent the deepening of poverty.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most crucial social issue is the demographic crisis and supporting large families, opposing cuts to family benefits and the car tax. He/She also emphasizes dignified aging and home care for the elderly. Furthermore, he/she addresses the issue of immigration, linking uncontrolled immigration not to solving the demographic crisis, but rather to internal security threats and budgetary costs.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's focus is on scrutinizing the government’s activities through formal interpellations. They have initiated proposals concerning the right of local municipalities to restrict the use of rented light mobility devices, and have demanded the submission of a draft bill to suspend the voting rights of Russian citizens. Furthermore, they are demanding changes to the organization of education regarding comprehensive school final examinations.
23 Speeches Analyzed