Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-25
Political Position
The political position is firmly aimed against granting voting rights in local elections to citizens of aggressor states and persons with undetermined citizenship. This stance is justified by security considerations and the value-based necessity of protecting the Estonian nation, language, and culture. The speaker consistently condemns the coalition’s intention to enshrine the voting rights of persons with undetermined citizenship in the Constitution. The position is strongly value-driven and emphasizes the duty of loyalty to the Estonian state.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in security policy, geopolitics, and recent Estonian history, particularly concerning the events of the 2007 Bronze Soldier crisis. They draw comparisons with other European countries regarding the voting rights of non-citizens and reference the organization of elections in the Russian Federation, as well as voter turnout in Estonia. This expertise is further bolstered by a reference to their previous work as an advisor to the Minister of Defense and their personal Ingrian-Finnish heritage.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, direct, and confrontational, employing strong emotional appeals and historical narratives. The speaker outright accuses opponents of blatant lying, gullibility, and naivety, while simultaneously underscoring their personal right to speak about the fate of the nation. Strong expressions are used ("bloody aggressor," "absurd"), and an appeal is made to the conscience and constitutional duty of the Riigikogu members.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the plenary session debate, posing repeated questions to the rapporteur and subsequently delivering an extended address. There is mention of prior long-term involvement in security matters, including serving as an advisor to the Minister of Defense during the 2007 crisis. The operational focus has been centered on discussions regarding key security-related legislative bills.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Centre Party and the Social Democrats, who face sharp criticism for political opportunism and for holding the Russian-speaking electorate hostage. The criticism is political and value-based, accusing them of destabilizing national security or contributing to such destabilization. The speaker categorically rejects the assertions that revoking voting rights offends people or increases destabilization.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting as a supporter of the Isamaa faction's positions, referencing the faction's chairman Helir-Valdor Seeder and Jaanus Karilaid. They are critical of the coalition's intentions but call upon all Riigikogu members to vote on the constitutional amendment issue according to their conscience. Cooperation with the coalition is restricted by strong opposition to cementing the voting rights of persons with undetermined citizenship.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
While the focus is on national security and geopolitics, Tallinn, specifically the Lasnamäe district, is being used as a regional example. The former Tallinn city government is criticized for ignoring national symbols and prioritizing the Russian-language cultural space, with critics noting that they attempted to build a "small Russia" there.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker does not present economic views but stresses that political decisions should not be dictated by market conditions. He/She deplores the behavior of political parties motivated by pandering to voters rather than by constitutional values.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the preservation of the Estonian nation, language, and culture, in accordance with the preamble of the Constitution, which is tied to security and the duty of loyalty. There is strong support for Estonian-language instruction and the use of national symbols (the blue-black-white flag) in public spaces. Criticism is directed at the practice of holding the Russian-speaking voter hostage and the slow pace of integration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill concerning the restriction of voting rights, which affects citizens of aggressor states and persons with undetermined citizenship in local elections. The speaker supports concluding the second reading of the bill, but is a strong opponent of the coalition's intention to constitutionally enshrine the voting rights of individuals with undetermined citizenship.
5 Speeches Analyzed