Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-01-29
Political Position
The political stance is strongly critical of the government’s actions regarding the availability of social services in rural areas for parents of children with disabilities. Opposition is also voiced against new regulations stemming from directives, which are viewed as excessive bureaucracy and over-regulation. The criticism is aimed at the inefficiency of policy implementation and the lack of consultation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the social sector, particularly regarding the financing of support and services for children with disabilities, employing specific terminology such as "raising the age limit" and "funds from the Unemployment Insurance Fund." Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about regulations pertaining to agriculture and sports, citing issues like animal breeding, equestrian competitions, and the transposition of a directive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, inquisitive, and deeply concerned, particularly when addressing social issues, exemplified by highlighting the specific situation of a "concerned mother." Logical argumentation is employed to underscore policy deficiencies (such as inaccessible services) and procedural failures (like neglecting to inform partners).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active participant in the plenary session, frequently posing questions and addressing the minister directly. He/She refers back to a previous dialogue that was initiated during the information hour, thereby demonstrating consistency in following up on these topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the actions of the government and the minister, criticizing the inefficiency of the policy and procedural shortcomings. Specific criticism is leveled against the failure to inform partner organizations (e.g., the Equestrian Federation, Tori Horse Stud) when introducing regulations into the process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker relies on feedback from partner organizations that handle breeding and competition organization, noting that the government has failed to consult with them adequately. This indicates that the speaker actively cooperates with these interest groups and represents their concerns in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on the issues facing rural areas, highlighting that essential services fail to reach people living outside county lines. A specific regional institution, the Tori Horse Stud Farm, is mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the necessity of maintaining social benefits, criticizing the situation where the target group loses the ability to receive funds from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Furthermore, they oppose new regulations that create additional bureaucracy for those involved with horses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on supporting children with disabilities, particularly those with autism, and their parents. Emphasis is placed on the concern over the lack of specialized treatment and services in rural areas, even though the amount of funding allocated to these services has increased.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical assessment of the transposition of directives, asking whether this leads to overregulation. Also in focus is the analysis of the consequences of social policy changes (raising the age limit for a disabled child and the reorganization of funding).
2 Speeches Analyzed