Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-09-19
Political Position
The political platform is strongly focused on supporting demographic growth and family policy, stressing the special, constitutionally mandated protection of large families. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's austerity measures and the communication strategy of the Minister of Social Protection, which, in their view, undermines respect for motherhood and parenthood. The entire stance is value-driven, emphasizing the survival and growth of the nation as the bedrock of society.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in family policy and demography, citing sections of the Estonian Constitution (Section 27, Section 28 subsection 4) and using statistics on the share of large families and the number of children they are raising. Furthermore, the speaker refers to specific population policy experts (e.g., Margus Punab, Lea Danilson-Järg) and earlier government strategies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, critical, and emotionally charged, employing strong contrasts and direct accusations regarding the government's hostility toward families. The speaker draws historical comparisons (for example, the red Soviet state) in the context of restricting freedom of choice. The tone is urgent, emphasizing the creation of insecurity within families and highlighting the critical nature of the demographic situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu sessions, repeatedly referring to the Minister of Social Protection’s earlier statements and the remarks heard from the same podium the previous day. This indicates continuous involvement in social and family policy debates.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo, who is sharply criticized for breaking promises, creating uncertainty, and implementing policies detached from reality (e.g., taking away health insurance). The Reform Party and the governing coalition are also criticized for not adhering to the constitution and violating liberal values (freedom of choice).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the Centre Party's draft resolution aimed at addressing the birth rate and refers to the programmatic positions held by Isamaa. He/She calls for broad-based cooperation with citizens and experts to create a sound population strategy, noting that there has been good will within the Riigikogu.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively at the national level, centering on the continued existence, growth, and population policy of the Estonian nation. There is no regional focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are directed toward long-term demographic sustainability, contrasting with the government’s demand that everyone must immediately be employed and paying taxes. Raising children is viewed as time and resources invested in future taxpayers, rather than merely a burden on society.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In terms of social policy, emphasis is placed on restoring respect for motherhood and parenthood, and on ensuring families have the freedom to choose to raise their children at home. Controlled migration is viewed negatively as a solution to the demographic problem, as it is seen to pose a threat to the Estonian language and culture.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the development of measures supporting the birth rate and the creation of a sound population strategy, driven by citizen and expert initiatives, to last until 2035. The speaker supports the Centre Party's draft legislation and criticizes the government's welfare strategy for being too vague.
3 Speeches Analyzed