Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu's extraordinary session.
2024-07-22
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on restoring confidence among the Estonian people and businesses, confidence which has been undermined by the government's tax policy. The second key priority is tackling the demographic crisis and protecting the foundations of family policy, emphasizing that the Estonian state is being built for its children. The stance is fiercely confrontational, focusing on the government's incompetence and broken promises.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of demography by highlighting a specific negative natural increase figure (a deficit of 5,000 people). Furthermore, they are familiar with the Reform Party's marketing keywords and the Finance Minister’s previous statements regarding the state of public finances. In analyzing policy, they employ the principle that the core tenets of family policy have been violated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and aggressive, accusing the government of sowing uncertainty and exhibiting hostility towards children. Strong emotional appeals are employed (e.g., undermining the sense of security, causing exhaustion) alongside specific references to previous promises and interviews (the ERR interview). The tone is formal, yet confrontational in substance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu concerning the questioning of the prime ministerial candidate, which demonstrates active involvement in the critical oversight of the government formation process. The speaker closely monitors the prime ministerial candidate’s statements, referencing specific interview dates.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Intense opposition is aimed at the Reform Party and the government it leads. They are accused of draining resources through their tax policy and undermining the core principles of family policy. The criticism is severe, labeling their actions as sowing uncertainty, perverse, and anti-child. Opponents are criticized both for their policies (tax increases) and for failing to keep their promises.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, centering on the future of Estonia’s people, businesses, and children, and the nation’s overall sense of security and confidence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, demanding an end to the relentless cycle of tax hikes and criticizing the draining of families and businesses. The necessity for stability and confidence in the economic environment is emphasized, pointing out that tax increases do exactly the opposite of fostering confidence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the demographic crisis and family policy, where there is a demand to protect and strengthen support measures for children. Concern is expressed over the negative natural increase, and the question is raised regarding the role of controlled immigration in solving demographic problems, referencing the position of party colleague Signe Riisalo.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the critical scrutiny of the government’s proposed future tax increases and family policy bills. The speaker is operating as an opposition watchdog, demanding accountability for promises made and the termination of detrimental policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed