Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th sitting, information briefing
2025-01-29
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government’s cuts to family policy, especially before the relevant analysis has been completed. The primary issues are the demographic crisis (low birth rates) and the reduction of benefits for children with disabilities. The political framework is value-based, prioritizing the interests of the nation-state and the security of families, and stands in opposition to left-liberal ideology.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the processes and deadlines for the Ministry of Social Affairs' family policy analysis. Specific data is used (the lowest birth rate of the century, 9,600 babies), and reference is made to the recommendations of demographers (Mare Ainsaar, Mark Gortfelder). Furthermore, there is detailed knowledge of the differences between the disability benefit and the work ability allowance provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa), and their impact on families.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and pressing, emphasizing the seriousness of the demographic situation and the irresponsibility of the policy. Both emotional appeals are utilized (the health and sense of security of mothers and children) as well as political and procedural criticism (inadequate analysis, cuts implemented prior to analysis). The tone is formal yet concerned, directly conveying the question posed by a worried parent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity demonstrate engagement during the Riigikogu information hour, specifically by posing questions to the minister regarding social policy issues. Direct communication with constituents is evident, as a specific question from a concerned parent regarding changes to the disability benefits system is being relayed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at the policy of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the minister (Riisalo), criticizing the budget cuts and the inadequacy of the analysis. The criticism is ideological, pitting the interests of the nation-state against left-liberal equality policy and the principle of "all women quickly back to the labor market."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of adopting a cross-party approach when analyzing family policy, ensuring that it benefits the Estonian state. Furthermore, active cooperation and engagement with demographers are demanded to prevent the policy from being founded solely on a single ideological perspective.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national issues, such as the birth rate in Estonia, the formulation of family policy within the Ministry of Social Affairs, and draft legislation currently being processed by the Riigikogu. Emphasis is placed on the importance of sustaining the Estonian language, people, and culture throughout the ages.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on social support and the financial security of families. We oppose cuts to benefits for families with children, as this directly impacts their sense of security. We support the crucial role of financial assistance for families and the reinstatement of child benefit indexation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues focus on population, birth rates, and family support, all while emphasizing the interests of the nation-state. There is strong support for mothers who wish to stay home longer with their children, coupled with opposition to pressuring mothers of large families into employment—a practice deemed irresponsible.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward the timeline and substance of the completed analysis of the Ministry of Social Affairs' family policy measures. Attention is also being paid to the bill currently under review in the Riigikogu concerning the raising of the age limit for children with disabilities, with criticism directed at the resulting loss of benefits provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa).
2 Speeches Analyzed