Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-10-14
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the government’s process-driven and budget-based approach to social policy. The speaker emphasizes the interests of the nation-state and the small nation, and accuses the government of breaking promises made to families with children. The main issues are demography, family benefits, and the lack of transparency regarding state budget cuts.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of demography, citing Statistics Estonia's forecasts and calling for the inclusion of demographers in the legislative process. They possess detailed knowledge regarding the amendments to the Family Benefits Act and have previous experience as the Minister of Public Administration concerning the merger of the Land and Spatial Planning Board. Regarding this merger, the speaker inquires about the agency's internal dynamics and the resulting cost savings.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, employing strong emotional appeals to highlight the government's indifference ("a coldly process-centric approach"). The speaker contrasts the minister's previous flowery words with reality, accusing the government of "sleight of hand" and "empty rhetoric." The style is formal, yet it contains intense accusations and demands that ministers take responsibility.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records show active participation in the plenary session, presenting questions and taking positions on multiple bills during a single day. The speaker engages in discussions concerning both social and administrative matters, demonstrating a readiness to intervene in various legislative processes.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government and the ministers, especially the Minister of Social Protection, accusing them of procedural errors and breaking their promises. The criticism is intense, alleging that the government is making cuts at the expense of people's sense of security and pushing through unethical legislative amendments designed to benefit a single individual. The opposition is strong, and any compromise on the draft bill has been ruled out.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the Isamaa faction’s firm opposition to the family benefits bill. They indicate a conditional willingness to cooperate, provided the funds being cut were specifically channeled into developing family initiatives (such as family centers), but stress that the current draft cannot be supported. Furthermore, there is no reference to broad, cross-party collaboration.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, centering on Estonia’s population forecasts, the state budget, and nationwide family policy. Although Estonians are mentioned irrespective of their location, there are no references to specific regional projects or local communities.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker sharply criticizes the budget cuts, arguing they were made purely based on an "Excel spreadsheet," and strongly opposes the resulting cascade of tax hikes. They demand transparency regarding how the funds freed up by these cuts will be allocated, pointing to the suspicion that the money is simply being spent "everywhere" without any clear objective. Furthermore, the speaker is against any cuts that diminish families' livelihoods and sense of security.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the demographic crisis and family support, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the welfare of children and families. He/She defends the right of parents to stay home with their children, criticizing the government's message that labels stay-at-home mothers as "freeloaders" and strips them of health insurance. Concern was also expressed regarding the deteriorating accessibility of healthcare services, particularly for university students, due to the increase in consultation fees.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the amendments to the Family Benefits Act, as this sends a negative signal and worsens the situation for families. Furthermore, it is addressing ethical issues related to the draft bill that eases the educational requirements for the Secretary of State. It is also inquiring about the effectiveness and cost savings resulting from public administration reforms (the Land and Spatial Planning Agency).
6 Speeches Analyzed