Session Profile: Riina Solman

The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on the safety and protection of children from criminals, and maintaining the strictness of regulations concerning gender reassignment. The speaker vigorously opposes draft legislation that, in their view, increases risks (such as the employment of pedophiles) or moves significant control away from public scrutiny (transferring authority from the courts to administrative agencies). They emphasize the need to maintain existing strict prohibitions and prevent the easing of social regulations at the ministerial level.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in child protection and criminal record regulations, clearly differentiating the legal nuances between a prohibition and a restriction, as well as the limitations that remain effective even after criminal data has been expunged. The speaker possesses comprehensive institutional knowledge regarding the administrative scope of public health and the Ministry of Social Affairs, particularly concerning the history of gender transition regulation and its subsequent transfer to new legislation, drawing upon their previous experience as Minister of Population (2019–2021). They support their arguments using an analysis provided by a law firm and a detailed interview with endocrinologist Dr. Maie Väli.

The style is formal and respectful, but the tone is anxious, cautious, and insistent, particularly concerning children's safety and social changes. The communication employs both logical arguments (procedural errors, administrative burden, and the jurisdiction of the judiciary) and emotional appeals (risks posed by pedophiles), frequently utilizing rhetorical questions. The speaker highlights the gap between theory and practice, cautioning that the ideals stipulated in legislation may not translate effectively into human society.

The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu plenary sessions, having spoken on two important draft bills on the same day. He/She refers to his/her previous work as Minister of Population Affairs and his/her participation in the work of the Social Affairs Committee, which demonstrates consistent involvement in social and health care legislation.

The main opponents are the coalition, which rejected Isamaa’s amendments, and the level of the Ministry of Social Affairs that has pressured for the relaxation of gender reassignment regulation. The criticism is intense and focuses on procedural errors, such as moving the control mechanism away from public scrutiny and shifting authority from the independent judiciary to administrative agencies. He/She also criticizes the analysis commissioned by family doctor Eero Merilind from a law firm, which failed to address practical security vulnerabilities.

The speaker is acting on behalf of his party (Isamaa), submitting collective amendments which were ultimately rejected due to the coalition's majority vote. He stresses the necessity of involving competent judicial bodies (the Prosecutor's Office, the justice system) in risk assessment, rather than the Social Insurance Board, citing their superior expertise (know-how).

There is no specific regional focus; the topics addressed are nationally important legislation concerning children's institutions, schools, and social welfare throughout Estonia.

The economic views focus on criticizing the administrative burden placed on employers and government agencies in the form of new control obligations. He/She anxiously notes the low teacher salaries and the need for education managers to rapidly hire people without the necessary qualifications, which points to criticism regarding public sector personnel policy and resource allocation.

The socio-political focus is on protecting children from pedophiles and crimes against children, demanding the maintenance of maximum prohibitions and the minimization of risks. Another important topic is gender self-determination and sex reassignment surgeries, for which great vigilance is required, warning against rushing and the easing of regulations, citing the need for medical prudence.

The legislative focus is on opposing the proposed amendments to the Child Protection Act, particularly concerning the replacement of prohibitions with restrictions and the transfer of oversight from the courts to administrative agencies. He/She sought to include the retention of prohibitions for a list of crimes (e.g., child trafficking and terrorism-related offenses) even after the criminal records have been expunged. Furthermore, focus is being placed on updating the Public Health Act to ensure that the rigor of the regulation concerning gender reassignment is maintained even after its transfer to the Health Services Organization Act.