Session Profile: Riina Solman
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth session, press briefing.
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly oriented towards amending the Constitution to restrict the voting rights of citizens from aggressor states in local government elections, citing security concerns. He/She supports the Isamaa party’s proposal to reserve the right to vote in the Constitution exclusively for Estonian citizens, while simultaneously acknowledging the rights of EU citizens under international law. The focus is dual: value-based (security) and policy-based (the content of the Constitution), underscoring the necessity of curbing overzealous politicians during the process of legislative change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of constitutional law and legislative procedures, particularly regarding the restriction of suffrage and the content of the explanatory memorandum. They are meticulous in detail, handling technical terms such as "constitutionality," "subordinate legislation," and "the generation of supplementary lists." This expertise is further evident in the precise citation of the minister's previous statements and the analysis of their legal ramifications.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and interrogative, focusing on legal precision and procedural details. The speaker employs logical arguments, referencing the minister's previous statements and quotes from the press conference, to demand clarification regarding the contents of the explanatory memorandum. The tone is critical and demanding, particularly concerning the question of who is forcing unconstitutional conditions into the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu information sessions, posing questions to the minister. He/She closely monitors the government's communication, specifically referencing statements made during the government press conference on November 14th.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta and the drafters of the bill, who are forcing unconstitutional conditions (the creation of supplementary lists) into the explanatory memorandum. The criticism is both procedural and policy-based, specifically asking who is still pushing this controversial provision and why.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker clearly supports the Isamaa party’s proposal to amend the constitution, which relates exclusively to the voting rights of Estonian citizens. He/She seeks common ground with the minister on supporting the principle of constitutionality, even while sharply criticizing the current substance of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (constitutional amendment) and the international level (aggressor states, EU law), while addressing local government elections in general terms. There is no specific regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the restriction of voting rights based on citizenship, which is strongly tied to national security. The aim is to limit the participation of citizens of aggressor states in Estonian political life, while preserving the rights of EU citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently centered on the process of amending the constitution, specifically aiming to restrict voting rights in local government elections solely to Estonian citizens. The speaker is acting both as an initiator and a strong supporter of the Isamaa proposal, yet remains a fierce opponent of the unconstitutional conditions that have been added to the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed