Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-12-03
Political Position
The political focus is on ensuring the safety of children and preventing pedophiles from working with them. The speaker is strongly opposed to Bill 427, which replaces a total ban with a mere restriction, arguing that this increases risks and creates security loopholes. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the necessity of an independent judiciary and public oversight when evaluating crimes committed against children. The ultimate goal is to halt the legislative process for this bill entirely, given that the risks have not been minimized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of the regulations governing restrictions on working with children, the procedure for the criminal records register, and the allocation of administrative burden. They are familiar with the specific amendments proposed by the Isamaa parliamentary faction, such as using the personal identification code for verification and expanding the list of disqualifying offenses. The speaker criticizes the competence of the Social Insurance Board regarding judicial matters, suggesting the involvement of the Prosecutor's Office or the Ministry of Justice as an alternative.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, forceful, and at times emotional, emphasizing the critical nature of child safety and warning against the rise of vigilantism. Both logical argumentation (the independence of the judiciary, administrative burden) and emotional appeal (the protection of children) are utilized. The speaker accuses the coalition of avoiding dialogue and attempting to quickly "ram through" the bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, asking repeated questions and delivering a lengthy statement on behalf of the faction in support of terminating the bill's proceedings. Reference is made to previous work on the Social Affairs Committee and the prior suspension of the bill's proceedings. He/She addresses directly both colleagues present in the chamber and the public following the proceedings via the internet.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the coalition and the majority of the Social Affairs Committee, who rejected Isamaa's four "very reasonable" amendments. The criticism is intense and focuses on procedural rushing and the disregard for risks to children's safety. Specific presenters (Eero, Madis Timpson) are urged to engage in dialogue and answer questions, rather than evading them.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker thanks Madis Timpson, the representative of the coalition party, for discontinuing the bill’s earlier proceedings, and also thanks colleagues on the Social Affairs Committee. At the same time, he emphasizes that since Isamaa’s proposed amendments fell on "deaf ears," cooperation on the final text of the draft bill is not possible. He demands the discontinuation of the bill’s proceedings to ensure the safety of children.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available. The discussion focuses on national legislation and the competence of institutions (courts, ministries, agencies).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoints are indirectly apparent, criticizing the increase in administrative burden placed on employers by the draft bill, as they must now take sole responsibility for control mechanisms. Furthermore, the text points to personnel problems and low wages within educational institutions, which necessitates hurried recruitment and consequently increases security risks.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the protection of children from sexual harassment and pedophilia, demanding the maintenance of strict prohibitions and rejecting the "liberalization" of restrictions. The speaker warns that the weakening of the state justice system and the concealment of oversight could lead to the emergence of vigilantism against pedophiles within society. He emphasizes that perpetrators of crimes against children should be forced to choose a different field of activity for life.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing Bill 427 (restrictions on working with children) and supporting the termination of its proceedings. The speaker is an active opponent who submitted four amendments concerning the use of personal identification codes, the expansion of the list of crimes (e.g., selling a child, terrorism), and the transfer of assessment authority to the Prosecutor's Office.
5 Speeches Analyzed