Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-04-16
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional, centered on sharp criticism of the government's inaction and its economic failures (nine consecutive quarters of recession). Key positions include strong resistance to centralized heritage protection bureaucracy and the proposed cuts to funding for extracurricular activities for families with many children. The overall approach is results-driven and values-based, stressing the defense of culture, family, and regional autonomy. The government is repeatedly branded as "lying" and "passive."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the field of cultural heritage protection and monument conservation, referencing specific cases such as the Viljandi City Council's petition, the declaration of Sillamäe buildings as listed monuments, and the inclusion of the Estonia Theatre extension in the Old Town conservation regime. Furthermore, they possess specific knowledge regarding state support for major sporting events (Rally Estonia) and cuts to youth sports funding, mentioning concrete figures (100,000 and 500,000 euros).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, urgent, and dramatic, employing strong emotional appeals to highlight the negative impact of political decisions on families and young people. The government is repeatedly branded as "lying" and "passive," expressing certainty that the government’s policies will worsen the standard of living for the populace. A narrative is utilized (Rally Estonia, the memory of the Song Festival) to underscore the consequences of political choices and engage the audience.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, posing pointed questions to the minister and offering a critical opposition viewpoint. They mention having repeatedly raised the issue of funding for children's extracurricular activities from the podium, indicating consistent action in advocating for this specific topic. Their pattern of activity involves continuously monitoring the government's actions and responding to them.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government, which stands accused of lying, passivity, and inaction, particularly concerning economic management and funding for Rally Estonia. The criticism is both political (tax reform, funding cuts) and procedural (delays in decision-making, bureaucracy). The attacks are intense, carrying a warning that cultural figures will be the next group to protest outside Toompea unless the government changes its course.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is mentioned positively concerning a colleague from their own party (Tõnis Lukas), specifically praising their quick decision-making during the previous government when they managed to bring the Rally Estonia WRC stage to Estonia. There is no data available regarding cooperation or readiness to compromise with the current government; rather, the need to ensure the "voice of reason prevails" among government members is stressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong emphasis on regional autonomy and increasing the competence of local governments, contrasting with the centralized management imposed by Tallinn (Pikk Street) on Valga, Võru, and Viljandi. The text specifically mentions the Viljandi council's petition to be excluded from the heritage protection regime process. It supports transferring the protection of heritage areas to the jurisdiction of local governments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is centered on the responsible management of the state budget, standing in opposition to the income tax reform. This reform drains half a billion euros from the budget and primarily benefits the wealthy, all while the cost of living continues to rise. The preference is to find areas for cuts within the central government bureaucracy, rather than by reducing social benefits. Furthermore, it criticizes the government's failure to take action in steering the economy toward growth.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, strong emphasis is placed on supporting large families and ensuring access to culture and sports for young people, while opposing cuts to funding for extracurricular activities. The issue of salaries for teachers and cultural workers is raised, with a warning that government passivity will lead to a strike by cultural workers. It is stressed that culture and sports should not become unaffordable for families due to the rising cost of living.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing government initiatives, especially concerning the establishment of new heritage protection regimes and income tax reform. It supports the proposal to transfer the protection of entire heritage areas to the competence of local governments, in order to reduce bureaucratic control from Tallinn. It demands a political decision on the issue of the Estonia Theatre extension, not the dictate of officials.
3 Speeches Analyzed