Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-06
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s proposed legislation, particularly the car tax and the reform of the pharmaceutical reserves system. Criticism is primarily aimed at inefficiency, high costs, and market distortions, accusing the state of creeping nationalization and applying unequal standards regarding consumer protection. The stance is mainly policy- and results-based, demanding accountability and explanations from former ministers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits profound technical expertise in the fields of medicinal law, inventory management, and competition law, citing specific issues (e.g., the lack of wholesale rights for the University of Tartu Clinic and quality system requirements). Furthermore, they are well-versed in consumer protection and financial regulations, offering as examples the interest rate restrictions on quick loans and comparing those restrictions to the principles underlying the proposed car tax.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style, when questioning, is combative and demanding, emphasizing the need to answer according to one's conscience, rather than in a technical role. When analyzing the draft bill on pharmaceutical reserves, the style is detailed, logical, and cautionary, utilizing legal and economic terminology to criticize the state's actions (e.g., "state theft," "distortion of competition").
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data indicates active participation in the plenary session, where pointed questions were put to the former minister and a detailed objection was raised regarding the amendments to the Medicinal Products Act. The speaker takes the time to present a thorough overview of the bill's negative consequences (the other side of the coin).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party's finance ministers, who are criticized for evading responsibility and failing to answer questions. Political criticism is aimed at the government's draft legislation, which is deemed costly and market-distorting, with accusations that the previous system of reserves constituted illegality and substantive state theft.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker mentions private communication with Aivar Koka, a member of the Isamaa party, suggesting informed interaction with other factions. However, the official debate focuses on sharp opposition to government representatives, and no willingness to compromise is expressed; instead, they call for the draft bill to be rejected.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and central institutions, such as the Health Board and the Estonian Centre for Reserves (EVK). Regional institutions (Tartu University Hospital, North Estonia Medical Centre) are mentioned as examples in the context of managing the national reserves system and associated unlawfulness.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly pro-market, opposing state intervention that distorts competition and creates unfair advantages in the pharmaceutical market. The speaker criticizes expensive solutions (such as the two-stock system) and favors optimal models that operate in collaboration with the private sector, issuing a warning against creeping nationalization. They also oppose the proposed car tax, noting that it could potentially exceed the actual cost of the vehicle.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, the importance of consumer protection is emphasized (using the example of interest rate caps on quick loans), contrasting this with the severity of the proposed car tax. Regarding healthcare issues, it is stressed that inefficient inventory systems increase overall costs and reduce the funds available for patient treatment.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing government-initiated bills, particularly the car tax and the amendments to the Medicinal Products Act (Bill 458). The speaker is acting as a strong critic of the bill, citing reasons such as non-compliance with the law, distortion of competition, and increased costs, and calls for the bill to be rejected.
5 Speeches Analyzed