Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-10-16
Political Position
The speaker is a prominent opposition figure (Isamaa faction) who sharply criticizes the government's fiscal and social policies, particularly the cascading tax increases and cuts made at the expense of vulnerable demographics (pensioners in care homes, mothers raising children at home). The political stance is value-driven, stressing the importance of public health and respecting the elderly, though necessary initiatives such as mental health reform are supported. The speaker characterizes the government's actions as a clear example of broken promises and outright neglect.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of social policy, especially regarding family benefits, elderly care, and mental health services, citing their previous experience as Minister of Population. Specific figures related to budget cuts (€1.3 million euros) are used, and the expertise of demographers and pensioner organizations is referenced. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the bureaucratic problems involved in applying for and reporting on local government (KOV) support funds.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative and emotional, accusing the government of cynicism and indifference towards vulnerable target groups who are treated merely as "statistics." Sharp criticism is leveled at the minister's personal conduct regarding the verbal battering of female politicians. The speaker balances moral appeals (the suffering and loneliness of the elderly) with specific questions concerning budget details and the financing of green technology.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during one plenary session day, posing multiple questions to ministers (Finance, Social Protection) and delivering lengthy speeches concerning draft legislation. This pattern of activity involves both demanding specific details (regarding the sums allocated for green technology) and proposing, on behalf of the parliamentary group, the rejection of key bills.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government and the Reform Party, who are being criticized both for their political decisions (cuts, tax increases, breaking promises) and for their personal attitudes (the verbal thrashing of women, treating the elderly as mere statistics). The opposition is intense, particularly regarding the reduction of the single pensioner's allowance, where the speaker, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, proposes to reject the draft bill.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation with civil society and communities, including the social services provided by the church, referencing their previous work as the Minister of Population. They support the question raised by their colleague (Eduard Odinets) concerning mental health and are submitting important legislative proposals on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on rural areas, highlighting the greater disadvantage and issues with the accessibility of mental health care compared to urban centers. Initiatives are supported to ensure the availability of psychosocial assistance in all local municipalities, aiming to mitigate the loneliness caused by dispersed settlement patterns.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are critical of the government's fiscal policy, opposing both the tax cascade and the introduction of income tax starting from the first euro, a measure that also impacts pensions. Budget cuts targeting vulnerable groups (€1.3 million) are unacceptable because they represent "peanuts" compared to the overall size of the state budget. Furthermore, transparency is demanded regarding the allocation of state funds to green technology, and the link between these cuts and security expenditures is being questioned.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are the speaker's focus, particularly the protection of vulnerable groups: the elderly in care homes, mothers raising children at home, and mental health. There is strong support for improving the accessibility of mental health services, reducing stigmatization, and maintaining public health. In the speaker's estimation, cuts to family benefits and the removal of health insurance for mothers send a very poor political signal.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is split between the proposal to reject Bill 508, which amends the Social Welfare Act (concerning support for single pensioners), and supporting the bill aimed at improving access to mental health services. The speaker actively opposes bills related to austerity measures, while simultaneously criticizing the bureaucratic nature of the initiatives they do support and the shortage of specialists.
9 Speeches Analyzed