Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, information briefing
2024-11-06
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on restricting the right to vote in local elections for both third-country nationals and individuals with undetermined citizenship. The speaker emphasizes that this is a fundamental issue of values, one that Isamaa has consistently championed. He criticizes the government's compromise proposal, which would preserve the voting rights of those with undetermined citizenship, viewing it as being held hostage by the Social Democrats.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the processes of suffrage and constitutional amendment, bringing up details of coalition negotiations at both the national and Tallinn levels. Comparative examples are drawn from other EU countries (Germany, Latvia) where third-country nationals lack voting rights. The core expertise centers on political strategy and constitutional changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, yet sharp and confrontational, repeatedly employing rhetorical questions ("Are you a hostage of the Socs?"). The speaker emphasizes responsibility and values, accusing the government of being held in political captivity. The tone is critical, but the Prime Minister's initiative in raising the topic is simultaneously acknowledged.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity demonstrate active participation in the Riigikogu information session, reacting swiftly to the media coverage of recent days and the disagreements that have flared up within the coalition. The speaker references previous political events, including the Tallinn coalition negotiations. No other personal patterns of activity are visible from the data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is aimed at the governing coalition, especially the Social Democrats, who are accused of holding the prime minister hostage. The criticism is political and value-based, focusing on a compromise proposal that would preserve the voting rights of individuals with undetermined citizenship. Opponents are accused of lacking a sense of responsibility and prioritizing supporters of the aggressor state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is conditionally approving, praising the Prime Minister for his sense of responsibility and initiative regarding the question of voting rights. At the same time, broad-based responsibility is demanded, with a call to include all Riigikogu parties in the discussions. The speaker emphasizes that Isamaa is ready for cooperation but will not make concessions on fundamental issues of value.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is national (amendment of the constitution), but emphasis is placed on the political struggle over voting rights that originated at the level of the City of Tallinn. International comparisons (Latvia, Germany) are also utilized within the context of the European Union to support the national policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues discussed is the restriction of voting rights, which is closely tied to matters of security and citizenship/integration. It is emphasized that individuals who have not sought Estonian citizenship over the course of 30 years should not possess the right to vote for decision-making bodies. This position is strongly justified by citing the support shown by these individuals for the president of the aggressive neighboring state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on initiating the process of amending the constitution to restrict voting rights in local government elections. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative, calling for the restrictions to be extended also to individuals with undetermined citizenship. The aim is to achieve the maximum possible scope of restrictions.
2 Speeches Analyzed