Session Profile: Riina Solman
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session.
2024-10-09
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Kaja Kallas’s government’s population policy, especially regarding the abolition of the institution of the Minister of Population. The most critical issue is the birth rate crisis, which is treated as a value-based and vital question concerning the survival of the state. The government’s actions are criticized for breaking promises and reducing the sense of security for families, and proactive engagement is demanded.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of demography and population policy, utilizing specific terminology such as natural increase, internal migration, and external migration. He/She presents concrete statistical data regarding the decline in the number of births (a natural increase deficit of 5,000, and 10,000 births annually) and emphasizes the narrow, science-based nature of population science. He/She refers to previous experience as Minister of Population and the formulation of strategies.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent, critical, and deeply concerned, highlighting the severity of the demographic crisis and the government's failure to act. It employs both emotional appeals (such as family security and reference to a "sad year") and statistical data alongside historical examples. The speaker utilizes memorable metaphors ("the grass is greener where it is watered") and critiques the justifications offered by opponents.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu plenary session, posing questions to the rapporteurs and criticizing the government commission for its inaction. He/She references their previous activities as the Minister of Population and the questions raised in the Social Affairs Committee, thereby demonstrating continuous commitment to this specific issue.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is Kaja Kallas’s government and the Minister of Social Protection, who are facing intense criticism for political decisions (the abolition of the Minister of Population portfolio) and for breaking promises. The criticism targets both the substance of the policy (cuts to family benefits, tax hikes) and the procedures themselves (the inefficiency of the government commission and the lack of a clear strategy). The government’s actions are being labeled as perfidious, and the cuts are described as senseless and ugly.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker recognizes previous bipartisan cooperation (the 2017 family benefit) and gratefully mentions several former ministers who addressed demographic issues. This demonstrates a willingness to cooperate when the topic is of national importance and focused on supporting the birth rate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level (Estonia's demographic crisis, the sustainability of the state) and on international topics (the war in Ukraine, European Union funding). There is no specific regional emphasis, apart from using the size of the city of Rakvere to illustrate the demographic loss.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
These economic perspectives advocate for state intervention and supporting families during difficult times, in direct opposition to the government's current austerity measures and tax hikes. It is stressed that the government must be a dependable partner to families, especially those facing significant unavoidable expenses due to high prices and the rising Euribor rate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is increasing the birth rate and ensuring the security of families with children. Immigration (controlled migration) is viewed as an unsatisfactory solution to the demographic crisis, emphasizing that the task of ensuring the survival of Estonians cannot be placed upon war refugees.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards increasing family benefits (for the first and second child, and single parents) and expanding the network of family hubs with the help of EU funding. The speaker is in the opposition, criticizing the government for failing to initiate specific draft legislation and for lacking an action plan aimed at supporting the birth rate.
4 Speeches Analyzed