Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.
2025-09-09
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the fair compensation of national defense personnel. The politician stresses the necessity of raising the pay for young soldiers who serve on missions and risk their lives while earning only 1,200 euros a month. This stance is highly critical of the government's actions, given that pay raises disproportionately benefit the ministry's management, making this a results-based critique. Furthermore, he demands greater accountability from ministers and that they answer to the Riigikogu (Parliament).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding national defense personnel and salary systems, citing a specific salary figure (barely 1,200 euros) for young soldiers and showing familiarity with service locations (Tapa). They are also up-to-date on the salaries of the Ministry of Defense leadership and the increase in the percentage of funds allocated to national defense. Furthermore, they are aware of the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the ministers' obligation to provide answers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is direct, critical, and demanding, particularly regarding the quality of the minister's response, requiring accountability and a clear timeline for implementing the salary model. Sharp contrasts (the young soldier versus the leadership) are employed to highlight the injustice. The introduction features a brief self-deprecating joke concerning the mention of the Supreme Court, which lends an initial lightness to the overall tone.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed towards the Minister and the leadership of the Ministry of Defense concerning an unfair salary system that fails to motivate young soldiers. A strong oppositional stance is also evident in the procedural criticism, as the Minister did not answer the question posed, but instead stated what they wished, which points to a demand for accountability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There isn't enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on defense forces personnel at the national level, but specific duty stations (Tapa) are mentioned, along with the geographical problem where soldiers serve far away from their families for long periods, living "at the other end of Estonia." This indicates an awareness of the regional and familial impacts of the service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views focus on fair compensation for personnel in national defense, demanding the reallocation of defense budget funds to ensure a motivating salary system for lower-level employees. The speaker criticizes the system where pay raises only reach management, which demonstrates a strong commitment to labor welfare.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the welfare of servicemen and their families, stressing the sacrifice made by young soldiers (long periods away, life-threatening situations) and the necessity of guaranteeing them sufficient income. This is framed as a state obligation to those who are the first to put their lives on the line for Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards the necessity of amending the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure to stipulate the obligation of ministers to answer questions posed at the podium. The speaker is acting as the initiator, demanding the tightening of procedural rules.
2 Speeches Analyzed