Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-20
Political Position
The political stance is firmly aimed at the immediate closure of the Estonian-Russian border, deeming it a critical national security issue. The speaker criticizes the government for its sluggishness, bureaucracy, and self-satisfaction (being "on standby"), demanding round-the-clock service when the nation is under threat. They emphasize that economic revitalization and security are more important than bureaucratic protocols.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of national defense and hybrid warfare, referencing specific events (the commotion surrounding the Narva tank, the arrest of the museum director) and international parallels (Hamas, Lithuanian/Swedish resistance movement handbooks). They emphasize the capacity of Russia’s centralized leadership to organize both maritime and land sabotage, as well as information operations. They employ metaphors and historical lessons to support the concept of comprehensive national defense.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is urgent, critical, and confrontational, aimed particularly at the government, which is accused of arrogance and a patronizing attitude. Strong emotional appeals are employed (referencing a state of crisis and the government's perceived lethargy) alongside historical references (such as the 'Age of Silence') to caution against inaction. Rhetorical questions are posed, and a public debate is demanded.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, participating in both security and socio-political debates. They reference previous proposals (the Isamaa bill from December/January) and ongoing involvement in security discussions, demonstrating consistent activity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the government and its advisors (e.g., Vootele Päi), who are criticized for slowness, bureaucracy, and prioritizing personal interests (vacations, weddings) over national defense. The criticism is intense and uncompromising, accusing the government of lulling the populace into a false sense of security and avoiding public debate. The adversaries are also accused of having an arrogant attitude that underestimates the uneducated masses.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is operating in close coordination with the Isamaa Party faction, supporting their draft legislation and referencing the views of the faction chairman, Urmas Reinsalu. Cooperation with other parties is not evident from the speeches; rather, others are being urged to support their proposal.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed toward national security and international threats (Russia, Ukraine). Specifically, Ida-Virumaa and Narva are mentioned in connection with Russian information operations and sabotage, citing as examples the events surrounding the head of the Narva Museum and the tank.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker stresses the necessity of addressing economic revitalization and criticizes the government for wasting valuable time on bureaucracy during a period of tax increases and other pressing issues. They are vehemently opposed to trade with Russia, viewing it as "fattening up" a terror regime and utterly hypocritical.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the Optional Protocol on Women's Rights is addressed, questioning why it does not provide similar rights of complaint to men, even when they also face discrimination. Furthermore, within the framework of comprehensive national defense, the necessity of making resistance movement textbooks publicly accessible to the population is stressed, in order to prevent learned helplessness.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is supporting the Isamaa faction's draft bill to close the Estonian-Russian temporary control line, which is considered critical for national security. They are also participating in the discussion regarding the Optional Protocol on women's rights, while remaining critical of its bureaucratic nature and timing.
5 Speeches Analyzed