Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-02-14
Political Position
The political focus centers on strong opposition to the motor vehicle tax, questioning both its necessity and the justifications put forward by the government. The speaker is demanding clarity on whether the tax revenue will be used to ensure the state's survival, win the war in Ukraine, or enhance national security. This position aims to criticize the lack of transparency and the perceived dishonest motives behind the government's actions and policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates thorough knowledge of the legislative procedure for the motor vehicle tax bill, the coordination table, and the work of the committees. The level of expertise is particularly strong regarding the impact of the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) on the transport sector. They use specific data, referencing a German think tank's forecast of a fuel price increase of 40 cents per liter by 2027.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and confrontational, focusing both on substantive political issues and the minister's unethical behavior (raising his voice). Emotional appeals are employed, highlighting large families and people with disabilities, alongside dramatic phrases, such as describing the government's claims as "going completely overboard." The speaker repeatedly demands answers, emphasizing the contradictory nature of the government's positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu information sessions and is involved in the work of the Economic Affairs Committee, where they have previously met with the minister and posed questions. They are also familiar with the discussions that took place in the Social Affairs Committee and the government’s legislative plans.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev, who is personally criticized for impolite behavior and for hiding the draft legislation behind the cover of the teachers’ strike. The criticism extends to the government as a whole, faulting it for lacking a unified position regarding the goals of the tax policy and for ignoring 77,000 signatures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is centered on supporting interest groups (the Car Owners’ Union), citing the signatures they collected that the government has chosen to ignore. While data on inter-party cooperation is lacking, he/she does refer to the views of other ministers (Signe Riisalo) and colleagues (Andres Sutt) within a critical context.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on rural areas, highlighting that it is particularly challenging for large families and people with disabilities to manage without a car there. This underscores the disproportionate effect of the tax outside of major metropolitan areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is opposed to new taxes, specifically the car tax, especially given the fuel price hike expected in 2027 resulting from the European Union Emissions Trading System, which essentially constitutes a new form of transport taxation. He/She views the car tax as excessive taxation on the transport sector and questions whether it is necessary at all if environmental objectives can be achieved through other mechanisms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on the negative impact of the car tax on large families and people with disabilities, particularly in rural areas. This framework utilizes social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups as arguments for opposing the tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the motor vehicle tax bill, actively serving as its critical reviewer in Riigikogu committees and during information sessions. He/She demands a clear and consistent justification from the government regarding the objectives of collecting the tax, citing shortcomings in the bill's legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed