Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-12
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the government's actions in energy and social policy. The primary issues are the impoverishment of citizens due to subsidized energy projects and tax increases, as well as the demographic crisis that the government is failing to resolve. Criticism is directed at both procedural aspects (decisions being made by three leaders) and substantive aspects (undermining the sense of security for families).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the financing of the energy sector (subsidies, infrastructure vulnerability) and demography. Specific data is utilized (a population decrease of 5,000, 2.6 billion euros allocated for wind farms), and references are made to family policy experts and Finnish initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on factoring the costs of protecting and improving infrastructure into the price of energy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and concerned, employing strong emotional appeals ("pays oneself poor") and rhetorical questions. Injustice is emphasized (the profits of entrepreneurs versus the problems society must bear) and appeals are made to the taxpayer and future generations. The tone is formal, addressing the respected Vice-Chairman of the Riigikogu and the esteemed Prime Minister.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is aimed squarely at the prime minister and three coalition leaders, who are being criticized for their decision-making procedure (specifically, ignoring parliament and the cabinet). Furthermore, the leaders of the previous government (Kaja Kallas and the Minister of Social Protection) are also facing sharp criticism for damaging family security and confidence. The criticism is twofold—both procedural and substantive—and calls into question whether the government even has a program.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, addressing the Estonian population, taxpayers, and national energy projects (offshore wind farms). The Finnish example is used in the context of family policy research, but there is no local or regional focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are fiscally critical and focused on protecting the taxpayer. The speaker opposes massive subsidies (€2.6 billion) that benefit selected businesses and criticizes both tax increases and the removal of tax benefits for families. It is stressed that the Estonian people are essentially paying themselves into poverty, and questions are raised regarding the inclusion of infrastructure defense costs in the price of energy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A central theme in social policy is demography and supporting the birth rate, highlighting concerns over population decrease and the staffing of the defense forces. There is strong criticism regarding the damage done to families' sense of security by withdrawing tax incentives and support payments. Environmental concerns are also being raised regarding the pollution of the sea and land with plastic as part of energy projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on criticizing current or planned government decisions (energy projects, tax increases, the elimination of family benefits). Direct legislative priorities are lacking, but the need for a new and supportive family policy program is emphasized, citing Finnish research.
3 Speeches Analyzed