Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, Extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-15
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's motor vehicle tax bill, particularly concerning the target groups of disabled people and large families. The criticism centers on the government's failure to consider the proposals made by interest groups, which erodes citizens' faith in their country and their sense of security. This position is value-based and results-oriented, emphasizing the necessity of restoring the public's sense of justice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in social policy and support schemes for people with disabilities, distinguishing tax allowances from targeted support measures. Specific emphasis is placed on the administrative costs associated with political changes, including the expenditure on officials’ working hours and verification costs. Reference is made to the views of the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the advisor of EPIKoda.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and confrontational, raising pointed questions regarding the coalition's actions and motives. Both emotional appeals (such as faith in the state and the will to defend) and logical argumentation are utilized, focusing on the analysis of administrative burden and costs. The speech is formal and directly addresses the leadership of the Riigikogu and the rapporteur.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, focusing on the discussion of the bill that the President had sent back. There is insufficient data regarding the speaker's frequency of appearances, meetings, or travel.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main target of opposition is the coalition government and the Minister of Social Protection, who is being criticized for ignoring key interest groups (the Estonian Association of Large Families, the Chamber of Disabled People). The criticism is intense, focusing on procedural errors and the socially detrimental nature of the draft bill. Officials' claims that people with disabilities would abuse tax exemptions are being refuted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style focuses on representing the positions of key stakeholders (EPIKoda, the Association of Large Families) and bringing their concerns before the Riigikogu. It is stressed that the government has refused to cooperate with these organizations. Furthermore, there is no available data regarding inter-party cooperation within the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic analysts are critical of the new taxation (motor vehicle tax), arguing that it negatively impacts socially vulnerable groups. Fiscal efficiency is emphasized, raising doubts about the costliness of developing and administering new targeted support measures. There are fears that the administrative costs could outweigh the benefits gained from abolishing tax exemptions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political focus is on protecting people with disabilities and large families from the new tax burden. The government’s actions are being condemned, as the Chamber of People with Disabilities believes they have made the draft bill even worse. The aim is to prevent an increase in the administrative burden placed on people with disabilities and to ensure a sense of fairness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the motor vehicle tax bill and supporting the reconsideration of the bill that was vetoed by the President. The speaker is acting as an opponent of the bill, highlighting its social detriment and the resulting increase in administrative burden. The objective is to ensure that any new support measures are cost-effective and do not contribute to increased bureaucracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed