Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing
2025-09-10
Political Position
The political focus is centered on sharp criticism of the government's fiscal policy, arguing that it favors the wealthy and disadvantages low-wage earners, particularly in the context of the income tax exemption. There is also a strong stance in favor of increasing family benefits, demanding that the child allowance be raised from 80 euros to 100 euros, utilizing budget funds left over due to the low birth rate. These positions are strongly value-based, emphasizing social justice and the livelihood of families.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in fiscal policy and budget specifics, referencing the income tax exemption and inquiring about concrete figures from specific budget lines. They highlight their prior experience as the Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, they possess knowledge of the work of the Social Affairs Committee, family policy analysis, and past legislative initiatives (such as the 2022 increase in family benefits).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is confrontational and critical, aimed particularly at the Minister of Finance and the government, utilizing direct questions and requests (referred to as a "question-request"). The speaker employs both political substance and rhetorical devices to attack political opponents, specifically criticizing a government colleague for using uncensored language. The tone is formal but sharp, emphasizing the necessity of supporting families and calling the government to order.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their first work week, which indicates either a new role or a recent return to active engagement in the Riigikogu. They are participating in the work of the Social Affairs Committee and meeting with ministers within the parliamentary group, demonstrating active involvement at both the committee and group levels.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the governing coalition, particularly the Minister of Finance, Kristen Michal, and Kristina Kallas. The criticism targets both policy issues (tax unfairness, lack of exemptions for the car tax) and personal conduct, specifically accusing Kallas of using profanity when describing the nation's financial state. The opposition is intense and uncompromising, demanding that the ministers be called to order.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlights the positive past cooperation with the Isamaa faction in 2022 when raising family benefits. In the current situation, cooperation with the government is lacking, which is why he is appealing to the Minister of Finance with a request to call his colleague, the Minister of Social Affairs, to order regarding the use of funds allocated for family benefits.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national political issues, covering taxation, social benefits, and military matters. There is no local or regional focus.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions are strongly focused on social justice and income redistribution, opposing tax policies that favor the wealthy. It supports directing the state's surplus funds toward increasing family benefits to improve the livelihood of low-wage earners. It questions the government's assessment of the state's financial abundance and demands its quantification.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is a strong focus on family policy, demanding support for multi-child families and an increase in child benefits and single-parent support payments. The justification cited is the low birth rate and the need to send a "warm signal" to families that the state stands behind them. The issue of the Defense Forces is also addressed, criticizing the debate initiated by the opposing party concerning mandatory military service for women.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the budget process and changes to social benefits for the next fiscal year. The main priority is to use the surplus funds resulting from the low birth rate to increase the child allowance and the single-parent allowance to 100 euros. The speaker is acting as a proponent, referencing a previous initiative by Isamaa and the work conducted by the Social Affairs Committee.
4 Speeches Analyzed