Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly anti-government, focusing on the demographic crisis and the deterioration of families' economic security. The speaker emphasizes the constitutional obligation to ensure the survival of the nation, language, and culture, contrasting this with the government's tax increases and cuts to family benefits. The main topics are family benefits and the car tax, which are treated as hostility towards families. The stance is value-based, highlighting the special care for large families mandated by Article 28 of the Constitution.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of population policy and demography, referencing the replacement level fertility rate (2.1) and the actual rate (1.4). He/She utilizes data from the Statistical Office and repeatedly quotes Section 28 of the Constitution, emphasizing the special protection afforded to large families. Furthermore, the speaker refers to his/her previous experience as Minister of Population and studies conducted by the association of large families to support arguments concerning the economic burden faced by families.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and emotional, utilizing strong expressions such as "anti-family ministers" and "tormenting/dragging things out." The speaker launches direct personal attacks against the Prime Minister and the ministers, accusing them of generating uncertainty, breaking promises, and showing a lack of empathy. Although the tone is overwhelmingly combative and critical, a brief moment of hope is expressed when the Prime Minister quotes the constitution.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary session, submitting repeated questions and formal inquiries to the Prime Minister. They reference direct communication with constituents and interest groups, noting that the association for large families and private individuals send letters of concern to them at the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). They also refer to earlier appearances before the Social Affairs Committee and closely follow ministers' public statements in the media ("AK" news).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Reform Party ministers (Signe Riisalo, Mart Võrklaev), who are accused of breaking promises and showing hostility towards large families. The criticism is intense and ranges from political decisions (the car tax, budget cuts) to personal accusations (the spouse’s business interests in Russia, the ministers’ lack of empathy). The ministers are being called "the most child- and family-hostile" of all time.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A willingness to cooperate with the government is not apparent; instead, emphasis is placed on the government’s refusal to listen to the opposition and the association of large families, whose pleas for assistance have fallen on "deaf ears." The speaker relies heavily on the research and positions of the association of large families, representing their interests in the Riigikogu (Parliament). They condemn the government's actions, which present people with disabilities with a fait accompli, forcing them to accept minimal support payments.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards rural areas, stressing that the car tax will disproportionately affect families with children where the public transport network is inadequate or completely nonexistent. In rural areas, a car is a vital necessity for accessing work, school, and healthcare services.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic positions are focused on ensuring the financial security of families, while opposing tax hikes (such as the motor vehicle tax) and the reduction of benefits (like the elimination of income tax relief). The speaker supports state aid for large families, arguing that they carry a greater burden and face a high risk of poverty. He criticizes the government for achieving cost savings by allowing the birth rate to fall.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is demography and the preservation of the nation through the birth rate, which is tied to supporting families with many children. The speaker emphasizes the need for special care for large families and people with disabilities, citing Article 28 of the Constitution, because their responsibilities prevent them from working sufficiently. He criticizes the government for polarizing different family types and for considering the removal of health insurance coverage for the mother of a large family.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at opposing the proposed motor vehicle tax bill and reversing the recent cuts to benefits for large families. Furthermore, they are demanding the reinstatement of income tax relief for families with two or more children. The speaker is calling on the government to provide an analysis detailing how the state has achieved savings due to the non-payment of child benefits resulting from the declining birth rate.
9 Speeches Analyzed