Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-19
Political Position
The political platform is strongly value-based, centering on improving access to medication for cancer patients and supporting large families. The speaker sharply opposes the government’s tax hikes and budget cuts, arguing that they diminish people’s sense of security and generate uncertainty. Education has been highlighted as Isamaa’s number one priority.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise is clearly evident in the field of healthcare financing and tax policy, particularly concerning the VAT on cancer medicines and the operations of cancer treatment funds. The speaker presents specific financial figures (e.g., a cut of 101,000 euros, the total VAT amount paid by the fund) and is deeply familiar with the history of the relevant legislative drafts. Furthermore, they are also up-to-date on the criteria for the support provided for extracurricular activities for large families.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is emotional and compelling, utilizing personal stories (the loss of a father and husband to cancer) and references to the founders of the cancer treatment fund to underscore the critical necessity of treatment accessibility. The tone is fiercely critical of the government, accusing them of creating uncertainty and lacking a comprehensive vision. Both political criticism and a humanitarian appeal are employed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action involves active participation in plenary debates, posing questions to ministers (Riina Sikkut), and supporting the draft legislation of the Isamaa faction. The speaker's recurring pattern is to refer to earlier, similar bills and inquire about the reasons for their stagnation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is directed against the government and its ministers (especially Riina Sikkut), criticizing their tax decisions and spending cuts implemented during the crisis. The criticism is policy-based, accusing the government of eroding the public's sense of security and creating uncertainty, alongside claims that the ministers are acting in a cliquish or factional manner. The most acute criticism targets the withdrawal of funding for children's extracurricular activities and the removal of medical allowances for victims of repression.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The spirit of cooperation emphasizes the need for cross-factional support on humanitarian issues, highlighting that similar draft legislation concerning cancer drugs has previously received backing from representatives across all political groups. The speaker aims to achieve consensus on bills that offer hope to patients.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on supporting rural areas, coupled with sharp criticism of the shrinking school network, which undermines regional policy and internal security. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on making support for children's extracurricular activities needs-based, particularly for families residing in rural areas.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly oppose tax increases, especially during an economic downturn, as they deteriorate the business environment and stifle competitiveness. The speaker supports targeted tax relief (such as reduced VAT on cancer medications) and criticizes the practice of charging VAT to charitable foundations. Furthermore, he wishes to direct the revenue generated by the sugar tax toward restoring children's health.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, the primary focus is on the accessibility of medicines for cancer patients and supporting large families through funding extracurricular activities. Regarding education, emphasis is placed on its priority status and opposition to the closure of the school network in rural areas. Furthermore, funding for the medical treatment of victims of repression is protected against cuts.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the draft bill to amend the VAT Act and the Medicinal Products Act, which aims to introduce a reduced VAT rate of 5% for cancer medicines. The speaker is a strong supporter and initiator of this bill, citing a similar earlier initiative by the Isamaa party. Furthermore, the speaker is addressing the issue of reversing government budget cuts (e.g., funding for children's extracurricular activities).
5 Speeches Analyzed