Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
2024-12-18
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the Foreign Minister’s previous policy toward Israel, which the speaker believes has led the country astray from its established course and distanced Estonia from its greatest allies (the USA, Israel). At the same time, the foreign policy position regarding the Georgia issue is supported, specifically to prevent falling into the Kremlin’s sphere of influence. The speaker demands a correction of foreign policy so that it is once again aligned with Estonian interests, and emphasizes the value-based framework of this policy (alliance relations, opposition to antisemitism).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in Middle Eastern foreign policy and diplomatic voting patterns, citing specific UN vote dates (December 2023, September 2024) and developments in Israel. This expertise is bolstered by a recent on-site visit (in November) to the Golan Heights and direct engagement with representatives of the Jewish community. Concrete examples (such as the termination of EKA cooperation) are utilized to illustrate the domestic repercussions of foreign policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and critical, but the debate begins with an agreement to keep the discussion civilized. The speaker employs strong emotional appeals and storytelling, highlighting a tragic example (a soccer ball featuring pictures of deceased Arab children) from the Middle East to illustrate the consequences of policy. The objective is to create discomfort and demand personal accountability from the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active, referencing the questioning of the Prime Minister two weeks ago on the very same subject, indicating that this issue is regularly brought up. A recent foreign trip to Israel in November is noted, which included a visit to the Golan Heights—suggesting facts were gathered on the ground. The address concludes with the presentation of a symbolic item—a football—to the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the Foreign Minister's actions. He stands accused of undermining Estonian foreign policy and acting contrary to the interests of our biggest allies. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, directly linking the minister's policies with antisemitism at Estonian universities. The Prime Minister's responses to the earlier question were brief and caused awkwardness, suggesting a clear desire to avoid the subject.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Collaboration with Henn Põlluaas was mentioned in relation to his recent visit to Israel, suggesting cooperation with a colleague who shares the same political spectrum. However, other details concerning broad-based cooperation or a willingness to compromise are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly international, concentrating on foreign policy issues in the Middle East (Israel, Gaza, the Golan Heights, Hezbollah attacks) and Eastern Europe (Georgia). The impact of international decisions on Estonia's domestic situation (higher education institutions, the security of the Jewish community) is emphasized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The spread of antisemitism in Estonian institutions of higher education is addressed as a social issue, along with the conflation of education policy with ideological policy. Emphasis is placed on the security concerns of the Jewish community and other nationalities in Estonia, which have arisen due to the foreign minister's policy and the messages conveyed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on holding the executive branch (the Foreign Minister) accountable and criticizing the direction of policy during the information session. Specific legislative priorities, draft legislation, or achievements are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed