Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-11-11
Political Position
His political position is strongly focused on supporting worker welfare and paid leave, emphasizing the connection between time off and productivity. He is also a strong defender of homeowners' interests, opposing increases in land tax and viewing homeownership as a matter of dignity. His criticism of the government is intense; he accuses them of breaking their word and employing procedural steamroller tactics. His positions are strongly value-based, linking social welfare directly to economic gain.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in labor law and regulations concerning public holiday compensation both in Estonia and the European Union, highlighting examples from Finland, Malta, and Portugal. He/She also possesses knowledge regarding the revenue base of local governments, referencing prior experience as the Minister of Public Administration. He/She emphasizes the need for impact assessments and studies that would prove the positive effect of vacation on productivity.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, yet it shifts to become passionate and critical when discussing the actions of the opposition. The speaker employs both logical arguments (such as productivity growth and examples drawn from international happiness indices) and value-based appeals (focusing on family, dignity, and the Christian cultural sphere). He/She utilizes vivid metaphors like "the steamroller" and accuses the coalition of taking a superficial approach to addressing problems. Furthermore, he/she is meticulous regarding the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure, frequently raising procedural points.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity profile is active, involving participation in the plenary session through the submission of questions, delivery of extended speeches, and making procedural remarks. He/She posed questions regarding the bill's appendices and impact analyses, and delivered a longer speech on the topic of vacation and work ethic. Furthermore, he/she sought to react quickly and respond whenever other deputies mentioned his/her name.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition to the governing coalition, which is being accused of breaking its word regarding the implementation of the land tax. The coalition is also criticized for refusing to carry out impact assessments concerning the holiday bill, despite claiming they have the necessary mechanisms available. Strong rhetoric is being employed, referring to the government's actions as a "steamroller" that is attempting to re-educate homeowners.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
They actively support draft legislation initiated by others (such as the bill concerning public holidays) and express agreement with the views of their colleagues. They reference their cooperation within the Tallinn City Council, where they successfully worked with coalition partners to stop the increase in land tax. The description of this cooperation also contains criticism directed at a specific statement made by a coalition colleague (Pärtel-Peeter Pere).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on both national legislation and issues specific to the City of Tallinn, emphasizing their work as a Tallinn representative in halting the increase of the land tax. Reference is also made to previous work as a regional minister, where the revenue base of local municipalities was discussed across all regions. For international context, the practices of Finland and other European countries are used for comparison.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports employee well-being and vacation compensation, viewing this as a direct benefit to the quality of work and to businesses, because a well-rested individual is a better employee. It is strongly opposed to increases in land tax, protecting homeowners from the tax burden. In the context of previous policy, it mentions the desire to attract more businesses to the regions and restore a larger share of the personal income tax to local municipalities.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text emphasizes the crucial importance of family values, close relationships, and mental balance, all of which are essential for maintaining one's personal life and health. It criticizes the culture of constant competition and career-centrism that is deeply ingrained in Estonian society, a culture which often overlooks the necessity of rest. While mentioning its Christian background and the principle of the Sabbath, it stresses that it prioritizes supporting rest primarily due to its social and health benefits.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the bill on compensating public holidays, ensuring that employees receive a replacement day off if the holiday falls on a weekend. Another important focus is opposing the increase in land tax and addressing issues concerning the revenue base of local governments. He/She is an active supporter of bills and demands that the government conduct impact assessments to improve the quality of legislation.
8 Speeches Analyzed