Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-29
Political Position
The political stance is firmly against the car tax, viewing it as a direct consequence of the Reform Party's incompetent governance and a clear violation of election promises. The primary focus is on protecting vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, pensioners, and large families) and addressing the state's tax policy, which is generating widespread insecurity. Political stability has vanished, replaced by uncertainty driven by continuous tax hikes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows expertise in the field of social policy and finance, particularly concerning support for people with disabilities, co-payments for assistive devices, and targeted services. Reference is made to the connections between the fuel excise tax and the road maintenance plan, as well as administrative costs (€400,000), emphasizing detailed knowledge of the draft bill's explanatory memorandum. They are also aware of the concerns raised by social ministers from previous governments (Riisalo) regarding the administration of benefits.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, repeatedly contrasting the Reform Party's slogan of "security" with the actual "insecurity." The speaker relies on emotional appeals, quoting pensioners and interest groups, and accuses the government of incompetent management, haste, and recklessness. Logical argumentation is also employed, demanding specific examples of how taxpayer money is being used.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during an extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, where the speaker actively participated in the debate, posing repeated and specific questions regarding tax revenue collection and administrative costs. The speaker is active as the Vice-Chair of the Social Affairs Committee and conveys the messages of the public and interest groups directly to the chamber.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government led by the Reform Party, which faces criticism for breaking election promises and incompetent governance that has resulted in tax hikes. The criticism is intense and centers on specific political decisions (tax increases, the abolition of targeted benefits), demanding that the planned car tax be scrapped. The government's actions and rhetoric are being contrasted, particularly regarding subsidies and services.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It demonstrates cooperation with party colleagues, praising the speech and numerical analysis provided by Isamaa member Aivar Kokk. It emphasizes the formation of a united front with interest groups representing three-quarters of the Estonian population, as well as with the opposition, whom the government has "steamrolled" while imposing tax increases.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text addresses infrastructure issues in rural areas, emphasizing the necessity of asphalt roads. This reflects a regional concern regarding the absence of a proper road maintenance plan. Furthermore, it points out that the revenue collected from fuel excise duties is not sufficiently channeled back into the road network.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The entity strongly opposes tax hikes (motor vehicle tax, income tax, VAT), arguing that they will exacerbate poverty and insecurity. It advocates for balancing the state budget through wise expenditure decisions, structural reforms, and innovative economic growth, rather than by increasing the tax burden. Furthermore, it criticizes the vague financing of government commitments via the motor vehicle tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus on social problems, stressing the need to protect vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and large families, citing an article of the Constitution. It criticizes the government's policy, which replaces a targeted service (tax exemption) intended for people with disabilities with one-off grants.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the motor vehicle tax bill, opposing its implementation as the Vice-Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee. Demands clarification regarding the tax's objectives, administrative costs, and the use of the collected funds for fulfilling state obligations, especially in the provision of public services.
4 Speeches Analyzed