Session Profile: Riina Solman
The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
2024-09-16
Political Position
The speaker's main political stance centers on the demographic crisis (low birth rate, negative natural increase) and the preservation of the nation-state, which is framed as a constitutional obligation. He strongly opposes mass immigration and sharply criticizes the government's actions regarding population policy, specifically citing the abolition of the Minister of Population portfolio and the plans by Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo to terminate health insurance for stay-at-home mothers. The political framework is intensely value-based, focusing on upholding the Estonian language, people, and culture.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding population policy, migration, and demographic indicators, referencing specific data (e.g., the 33% share of the immigrant population before the war in Ukraine) and historical context (the roles of Peeter Olesk and Paul-Eerik Rummo). He/She links the population crisis to issues of regional policy, internal security, and human capital, emphasizing that politics is "the art of signals."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is insistent and highly critical, employing strong emotional appeals to characterize the actions of political opponents (e.g., inciting class antagonism, labeling mothers as "eaters of dirt bread"). They utilize logical arguments (demographic trends, a constitutional provision) alongside metaphors ("an elephant in a china shop," "the art of signaling"). The tone is formal, yet the substance is sharp and accusatory regarding the government's actions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu plenary sessions late into the evening, participating in topics initiated by the opposition. He/She refers to previous participation in debates and the reading of protocols, and has provided recommendations to predecessor ministers, which indicates consistent activity regarding population issues.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo and Kaja Kallas’s third government. Criticism focuses both on political decisions (the reduction of family benefits, the plan to scrap health insurance coverage) and procedural failings (a failure to meet with target groups, the elimination of the Minister of Population portfolio). The attacks are intense, accusing the minister of sending mixed signals and engaging in a breach of trust.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates strong cooperation with the opposition, thanking the EKRE colleague for raising the issue and expressing heartfelt support for it. He/She calls on other MPs (who are following the proceedings via communication channels) to support the current bill. There are no indications of seeking compromises with the governing coalition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level (the preservation of the nation-state, the demographic crisis), though the topic is also connected to regional policy (internal migration). International comparisons with the Baltic and Nordic countries are utilized to underscore the uniqueness and critical nature of Estonia's situation (a high proportion of the immigrant population).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are subordinated to demographics: human capital is considered crucial as the future workforce, taxpayer base, and source of state budget revenue. Although the distress of businesses due to labor shortages is acknowledged, mass immigration is opposed as a solution. Support is given to families who raise children at home, opposing the Riisalo plan, which would force them into productive employment.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on issues concerning the birth rate and the preservation of the population, emphasizing the duty to maintain the Estonian language, people, and culture. He/She defends women's freedom of choice to dedicate themselves to raising children at home and opposes policies that would restrict or penalize this choice. Migration is addressed as a threat to the survival of the nation-state, demanding controlled immigration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's priority is raising population policy to the forefront of the government's action plan, criticizing its bundling into the portfolio of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the ineffective government commission. They support the current bill and call for it not to be scrapped. Earlier support for the transition to Estonian-language education is also mentioned.
5 Speeches Analyzed