Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
2024-03-20
Political Position
The political position focuses heavily on national security (suspending the voting rights of citizens from aggressor states) and demography (restoring support for families with many children). He criticizes the government for delays and ideological opposition on crucial issues, stressing that time is running out. His views are strongly value-based, emphasizing the need to protect both the state and the target groups afforded special protection under the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law debates, referencing specific experts (Ülle Madise, Jüri Raidla) on the topic of amending electoral rights. Furthermore, they possess a detailed knowledge of demographic statistics, highlighting the positive impact (a 25% increase) of previous support for large families. They also inextricably link foreign and defense policy issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and confrontational, particularly when criticizing government inaction ("We no longer have time"). The speaker employs both logical arguments (citing experts and statistics) and emotional appeals (referencing the act of giving a voice to a war criminal). They also use references to public figures and media events to support their positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu's information session, posing questions to the minister. They reference a recent public debate (ERR's "Impulss"), demonstrating their involvement in current media discussions. There is no available information regarding other activities or public appearances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the governing coalition, especially the Social Democrats, who are accused of ideological opposition both to suspending voting rights and to supporting large families. The criticism is intense and accusatory, citing the failure to fulfill the coalition agreement. He criticizes the ministers for ignoring families with many children and for causing them inconvenience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is attempting to build rapport with the Foreign Minister, recalling their successful prior cooperation within the ranks of Isamaa on the issue of supporting large families. However, it is simultaneously stressed that the opposition is prepared to back the suspension of electoral rights, citing internal coalition resistance as the sole remaining obstacle. This willingness to cooperate is conditional and linked to specific political objectives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislative issues (voting rights, family policy) and international security (the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens). A regional focus is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are tied to social policy, criticizing tax hikes that undermine families' sense of security. Targeted benefits (such as support for large families) are supported as an investment aimed at improving the demographic situation. He/She emphasizes that establishing financial certainty for families is essential for boosting the birth rate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues concern demography and the protection of large families, who are treated as target groups under the special protection afforded by the constitution. He/She emphasizes the necessity of making children’s voices heard in politics by granting parents the right to vote on behalf of their child. The protection of people with disabilities is also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Election Act to suspend the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states in local and presidential elections. The second priority is also amending the Election Act, specifically to grant parents the right to vote on behalf of their child. The speaker is a strong proponent of these amendments and criticizes the government for delaying the changes promised in the coalition agreement.
2 Speeches Analyzed