Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
2024-11-13
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government’s austerity measures and tax hikes, particularly those affecting the social sector. The most severe criticism targets the elimination of support for single pensioners residing in care homes and the increase in healthcare co-payments. It is stressed that these measures are cynical and specifically aimed at the most vulnerable populations. The language used is value-driven, highlighting the unethical nature of the government's actions and its failure to uphold promises (such as the tax-free average pension).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of social and health policy, thoroughly addressing changes to visit fees, bed-day charges, and prescription fees. Specific budget figures are employed (e.g., a 1.3 million euro cut), and reference is made to analyses by the Ministry of Social Affairs and international indicators (Estonia's co-payment share of 22% versus the 15% average) to substantiate claims regarding the risk of impoverishment. Furthermore, the speaker possesses knowledge of the budget issues facing the Riigikogu Chancellery (IT and salaries).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotional, often employing negative evaluations such as "cynical cost-cutting measure" and "humiliating announcement." The speaker balances ethical and emotional appeals (dignity, sense of security) with detailed legislative amendments and statistical data to emphasize the detrimental nature of the government's actions. Ironic remarks are also present (e.g., "we could support our elderly instead of focusing on gender self-determination").
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated actively on two consecutive plenary session days (November 13 and 14), submitting questions and lengthy comments during the second reading of the budget and social affairs bills. This pattern of activity also included participation late into the evening, addressing those present in the chamber and television viewers.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the ruling coalition and the leading party, who are accused of breaking promises (specifically, the tax-free average pension) and implementing cynical cuts. The criticism is intense and morally charged, focusing on unethical behavior carried out at the expense of vulnerable target groups (pensioners, mothers raising children), noting that the state treats mothers raising children as if they were homeless.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge positive results by thanking the Social Affairs Committee and its Chair, Karmen Joller, for introducing the amendment concerning pregnant women. This indicates a readiness to cooperate in solving specific social issues, even if the general attitude toward the draft legislation remains strongly oppositional.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
None. The focus is exclusively on national socio-political issues, budget cuts, and the financing of the healthcare system, all of which affect the whole of Estonia.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are aimed at criticizing the state's fiscal discipline, particularly when it is achieved at the expense of tax increases and cuts affecting vulnerable groups, measures which have been labeled the "tax festival" and the "tax cascade." It is emphasized that increasing healthcare co-payments leads to impoverishment and inaccessibility of services, and that marginal sums (1.3–1.5 million) should not be taken from the most vulnerable.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is a strong advocate for the elderly and families with children, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring their dignity and sense of security. They oppose measures that worsen the situation of expectant mothers and young children (such as the doctor's visit co-pay) and harshly criticize the termination of social tax payments for non-working parents, viewing this as a negative signal during a demographic crisis.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the opposition to Bills 507 (amendments to the Health Insurance Act) and 508 (amendments to the Social Welfare Act). The speaker, an opposition proponent, proposed suspending the second reading of both bills, citing unethical cuts and the deterioration of access to healthcare services.
16 Speeches Analyzed