Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting.
2024-03-13
Political Position
The speaker's core political stance is population policy and supporting the birth rate, emphasizing the particularly crucial role of large families and the necessity of supporting them. He/She is vehemently opposed to the coalition's measures, such as cutting subsidies for large families and hobby group allowances, and the introduction of a car tax, viewing these as deterrents that drive families away. The political framework is strongly value-based, grounded in Article 28 of the Constitution, which mandates special care for large families.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of demography and population policy, citing researchers (Jaak Valge) and data from Statistics Estonia. They use specific figures, such as a fertility rate of 1.4 and a 25% increase in third and fourth births during the previous support scheme. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge of the procedures of Riigikogu committees (the Social Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee) and the practice of holding stakeholder hearings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, concerned, and urgent, especially regarding the government's inaction and unfair treatment of large families. The speaker employs both emotional appeals (references to letters of concern and indignation from mothers) and logical arguments, relying on the constitution and statistical facts. The style is formal, but it includes sharp procedural criticism concerning the unfair treatment of interest groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in committee work, participating in the Finance Committee's debate on the car tax and notifying the Social Affairs Committee of their absence. They have met with representatives of the Association of Large Families and submitted questions to the Prime Minister concerning solutions for the labor and demographic crisis. Their speeches point to continuous engagement with both policy formation and the representation of interest groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, who is sharply criticized for cutting benefits for large families and prioritizing controlled migration over supporting the birth rate. The criticism is also aimed at the government's procedural errors, such as ignoring the association of large families during the car tax discussion, while an opposing NGO was invited to attend. No willingness to compromise is evident; instead, a change in government policy is being demanded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker, on behalf of the Isamaa party, supports Jaak Valge's draft resolution, thereby demonstrating cooperation with a fellow party member. He/She refers to previous cross-party support for benefits aimed at large families (all parties except the Reform Party), emphasizing that supporting the birth rate should be broad-based. Cooperation with the government is lacking, as the government's actions are sharply criticized and deemed procedurally unfair.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker highlights the situation in rural areas, noting that the cut in funding for extracurricular activities specifically hit those regions where such activities are already harder to access. It is also emphasized that the car tax will disproportionately affect families raising children in rural areas, who are dependent on their vehicles.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes tax hikes (specifically the car tax) and benefit cuts, arguing that these measures increase the poverty risk for large families and impede their ability to earn income. He stresses that the state must provide economic support to families to guarantee the future availability of the workforce, contrasting this approach with controlled migration as a potential solution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A key social issue is the birth rate crisis and the support of large families, which is being addressed as a matter of national security and securing the future workforce. The speaker stresses the constitutional obligation to look after large families and is strongly opposed to controlled migration as a solution to the demographic problem.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the bill that backs Jaak Valge's population policy. Furthermore, key issues include opposing the car tax bill in the Finance Committee and reversing the previous cuts to support for large families. The speaker is taking on the roles of both supporter and opponent, concentrating on changes to social and tax policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed