Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, additional plenary session
2024-06-14
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s fiscal policy and supplementary budget, stressing that these measures fail to solve the problems facing society. The speaker focuses on exposing the alleged deception perpetrated by the government (the Reform Party) both before and after the elections, particularly concerning tax hikes and the abolition of the tax hump. The stance is value-based, defending low-income earners and families with children against the prioritization of the wealthy. Another critical issue is the 400 million euro cut to the national defense budget.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in the field of fiscal policy and taxation, utilizing data from the Ministry of Finance and analysis of income deciles. He presents detailed figures regarding the budgetary gap (550 million euros) caused by the abolition of the tax hump and the proportions of its impact, claiming that 98% of the resulting revenue benefits the highest earning half. He also refers to tables published by ERR and previous contradictory statements made by Annely Akkermann.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, accusatory, and emotionally charged, focusing on the Reform Party’s alleged lies and brazenness. Both logical arguments (data from the Ministry of Finance) and powerful imagery and metaphors are employed (swine in the rye, the tax cudgel, the wicked fairy tale character of the Brothers Grimm). The tone is urgent, and the goal is to expose a moral injustice where money is taken away from children and given to the wealthier segment of society.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the plenary session debate concerning the supplementary budget, requesting the floor immediately following the conclusion of the previous speaker's remarks (Annely Akkermann), specifically to rebut the arguments presented. The speaker also references previous statements made in the media (Õhtuleht, Vikerraadio), demonstrating active participation in the public discourse.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the Reform Party, which is accused of brazenly lying about the state of the nation's finances and impending tax hikes prior to the election. The criticism is intense, targeting both specific policies (the tax 'hump,' reduction of family benefits) and specific individuals (Annely Akkermann), who are accused of disseminating false information. The opposition is absolute, with the government's actions being likened to a wicked fairy tale character who causes harm to children.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker voiced agreement with the previous speakers, Urmas Reinsalu and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, signaling a willingness to cooperate with other opposition parties in criticizing the government’s fiscal policy. Furthermore, the speaker referenced the Social Democrats’ Robin Hood tax to draw a contrast with the policies of the Reform Party.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national issues, such as tax policy, the budget deficit, family benefits, and defense spending cuts. There is no regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is heavily focused on social justice and redistribution, standing in opposition to the elimination of the tax hump (tax wedge), a measure that benefits the wealthier segment of society. The speaker opposes increases in VAT, the introduction of a car tax, and a land tax, arguing that these measures disproportionately burden low-income earners and families with children who cannot cut back on essential consumption. Furthermore, they criticize the creation of the budget deficit and the subsequent decision to cover it by reducing family support payments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus revolves around the economic well-being of families with children, large families, single parents, and the elderly. The speaker stresses that tax hikes and the reduction of family benefits directly damage Estonia's birth rate and the pool of future taxpayers. He defends the interests of low-wage earners, who will suffer the most severe consequences from the VAT increase.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the supplementary budget and the tax package presented by the government, which includes the abolition of the tax 'hump' (or 'curve'), a VAT increase, and the introduction of car and land taxes. The speaker sharply criticizes the negative impact these measures will have on both the budget and various social groups, thus positioning them as a strong opponent of this legislative action.
2 Speeches Analyzed