Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
2024-09-23
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on foreign policy, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The speaker supports Israel's historical right to Jerusalem and sharply criticizes the foreign minister's conduct regarding the UN vote, viewing it as the pursuit of an independent agenda. These positions are both value-driven (the historical capital) and results-oriented (the criticism of the minister's actions).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of Israeli history and its political context, referencing personal experience gained as the Minister of Population in 2020, which included a visit to the Knesset. Furthermore, he possesses an authoritative understanding of the hierarchy within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the Secretary-General, high-ranking officials) and the role played by the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee. He utilizes historical parallels (Jerusalem vs. Tallinn) to clarify matters of sovereignty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and respectful when addressing the Vice-Chairman of the Riigikogu and the rapporteur, but the substance is critical and direct concerning the Minister of Foreign Affairs' actions. A personal historical example and a strong analogy are employed, framed within the context of Tallinn and citizens of the Russian Federation, to underscore questions of sovereignty. The tone is analytical and highlights ministerial accountability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is participating in the plenary session by asking questions, focusing on foreign policy oversight. He refers to his previous actions as Minister of Population in May 2020, including congratulating the President of Israel on the occasion of Jerusalem Day.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is accused of pursuing an independent line during the UN vote and disregarding the opinion of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee. Criticism is also directed at the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other high-ranking officials who may have issued inappropriate instructions. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of re-establishing communication and collaboration between the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Foreign Minister, ensuring the minister takes the committee's opinion into account. He expresses a willingness to cooperate with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, including Chairman Marko Mihkelson, who share his critical stance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on international relations, centered on the Israel-Palestine issue and UN voting. A regional focus on Estonia emerges only when drawing a comparison between citizens of Tallinn and citizens of the Russian Federation to illustrate the sovereignty problem.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses issues of historical identity and sovereignty, using the example of Israel to illustrate a potential threat to the Estonian capital (citizens of the Russian Federation in Tallinn). This concerns national security and the status of the historical capital.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on restoring ministerial accountability and Riigikogu oversight, especially in the shaping of foreign policy. The aim is to ensure that the Foreign Minister heeds the views of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee and that ministers are accountable to the Riigikogu.
3 Speeches Analyzed