Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
2025-09-17
Political Position
The political focus centers on population policy and addressing the low birth rate, stressing the necessity of a stable family policy framework. We strongly support equalizing child benefits (100 euros for the first and second child) and increasing the benefit provided to single parents. This political framework is value-based, highlighting the state's duty of care, and sharply criticizes the government for its inaction and failure to keep its promises. The goal is to immediately send a positive political signal to families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise in family policy, parental benefits, and demography, drawing on prior experience as Minister of Population Affairs. Specific budget figures are cited regarding the cost of the draft bill (€55–60 million) and the surplus generated by low birth rates (€10–11 million). References scientific analyses and the positions of population scientists (e.g., Ene-Margit Tiit) in support of evidence-based policy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A distinctly urgent, passionate, and at times confrontational tone, especially when criticizing the Reform Party. It employs strong emotional and morality-based appeals, emphasizing that "politics is the art of signals" and that actions, not words, are what truly count. Metaphors are used (e.g., the "killing" of a draft bill, the Reform Party as a "stump"), and reference is made to the loss of trust felt by families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active participant in the work of the Social Affairs Committee, acting as the rapporteur (representative of the lead committee) during the debate on the parental benefit bill. They requested the role of rapporteur for personal reasons and based on prior experience, specifically to prevent the bill from being killed by the representative of the ruling party. They also refer to previous participation in the working group on the personalized state.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition faces the Reform Party and Social Minister Karmen Joller, who stands accused of creating instability in family policy, engaging in perfidious conduct (breaking promises), and failing to act (inaction). The criticism targets the government's decision to postpone implementing these measures until the spring of 2026, even though there is already a budget surplus. It views the Reform Party as the main impediment to shaping a consensus-based population policy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It strongly supports cross-party consensus and a societal agreement on population policy issues, referencing the earlier proposal put forward by the Isamaa women’s organization (IREN). It notes positive progress and the search for common ground within the Social Affairs Committee, commending committee chairwoman Signe Riisalo for her change of heart. However, cooperation remains conditional and demands concrete action from the government, specifically in the form of supporting the draft bill.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national family and population policy, although support for families in rural areas is mentioned briefly. It references the withdrawal of the extracurricular activity subsidy for large families (amounting to 101,000 euros), a measure that specifically benefited rural families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the increase in social spending for families, emphasizing that due to the low birth rate, funds (10–11 million) are left over in the education and social sectors, and this money should be redirected into family policy. The subject criticizes the previous reduction of family benefits and the introduction of the car tax, arguing that these actions send negative signals to families regarding a lack of stability.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on family policy, demographic stability, and ensuring all children are valued equally. It stresses that the first and second child should also receive a 100-euro benefit to prevent "making distinctions between children." The text also raises the issue of a needs-based approach, noting that this could be particularly relevant for large families and single parents.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is supporting the bill to increase child benefits, which aims to equalize the support for the first and second child at 100 euros. [The subject] is acting as a proponent and spokesperson for the bill, demanding its immediate submission for the second reading and adoption to prevent the government from delaying the process until spring.
8 Speeches Analyzed