Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-10
Political Position
The political position focuses heavily on family policy and demographic issues, stressing the necessity of an evidence-based approach. The speaker sharply criticizes the government (the Reform Party) for political bias in defining what constitutes scientific evidence, citing the unfair re-evaluation of previous methods. The primary goal is to support families and children, particularly given the current difficult economic situation, and this approach is grounded in both results and values.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise is evident in the field of population policy and family policy, referencing previous work as Minister of Population and cooperation with Lea Danilson-Järg. [The person] repeatedly uses technical terms such as "evidence-based" and "science-based policy" and knows precise budget figures (e.g., 101,000 euros for hobby group support). The expertise also encompasses knowledge of how political decisions affect birth rates and the livelihood of families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is confrontational and critical, employing strong accusations concerning personal conduct and political hypocrisy (the pot calling the kettle black). Both logical appeals (demanding an evidence-based approach) and emotional accusations (referencing offensive and stigmatizing posts) are utilized. The overall tone is formal, but the substance is sharp and direct.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She speaks during the plenary session, posing recurrent questions to the minister. He/She also references previous private discussions with the minister ("we have definitely clarified this matter between us"), which demonstrates active communication extending beyond the formal sessions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Minister Karmen Joller, and indirectly, the Reform Party. The criticism is intense and twofold: it concerns both personal conduct on social media (inciting and insulting people) and political inconsistency regarding the recognition of science-based methods. Opponents are accused of political hypocrisy and disregarding support for families in the 2026 budget.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It refers positively to previous cooperation with department head Lea Danilson-Järgi in establishing evidence-based family policy. In the current context, there is a complete absence of any sign of willingness to compromise with the minister; rather, the demand is for the reinstatement of earlier measures.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national family policy and the budget, but it is emphasized that the hobby group subsidy intended for large families significantly helped families in rural areas. Thus, the regional aspect is linked to improving the coping and well-being of families in rural regions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views support the reinstatement of targeted social and family benefits, especially for large families. It is emphasized that the state has an obligation to signal support to people in difficult financial circumstances, finding the necessary funds for this from the budget that remains due to unborn children.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is family policy, the birth rate, and support for large families. The speaker strongly advocates for a clear national commitment to supporting families and children, stressing the importance of restoring funding for extracurricular activities for school-age children, starting with the fourth child in the family.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the 2026 fiscal year budget, specifically criticizing the absence of concrete measures within family policy. The priority is twofold: either restoring the subsidy for extracurricular activities aimed at large families (€101,000) or introducing a bill to increase general child benefits and large family allowances.
8 Speeches Analyzed