Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
2025-03-26
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to increasing the quota for foreign and guest workers, particularly when integration is insufficient and requires additional funding. The most pressing issue is prioritizing the employment and education of Estonia's own youth (NEET youth) ahead of facilitating mass immigration. The argument is outcome-based, citing statistical data and the failure of integration efforts. The tone is critical, demanding that the government fundamentally shift its priorities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the areas of labor market issues (NEET youth) and immigration policy. They use data from the Statistical Office, citing tens of thousands of young people who are neither studying nor working. They are also familiar with integration challenges, noting that language and culture instruction is not tied to support payments for those arriving under labor migration schemes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and analytical, highlighting the contradictions in government policy (quota increases versus unfulfilled quotas). Logical arguments and data from the Statistical Office are utilized to support this position. Simultaneously, social stereotypes ("snowflakes") are refuted, and emphasis is placed on genuine problems, such as incomplete education and limited employment opportunities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Based on the data, this concerns a single appearance during the Riigikogu's information hour, where an extended comment and a question are presented to the Minister of Culture.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the advocates for increasing the quota for foreign and migrant labor (Erkki Keldo was mentioned) and the government, which has failed to ensure thorough integration or solve the problem of NEET youth. The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on the misplacement of priorities and the illogical nature of the policy itself.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education to create programs specifically for Estonia’s own young people. They are requesting a specific program targeting NEET youth, in addition to the existing adaptation program.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national problems (quotas, integration), but regional specificities are also mentioned. Regional specificities are highlighted as one reason why NEET youth have few job opportunities and difficulties improving their lives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize prioritizing local labor (NEET youth) over foreign workers. The introduction of foreign labor is viewed negatively, as it requires additional funding to manage mass immigration and sidelines our own people from the job market. Measures that encourage our youth to enter the labor market are supported.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the topic of immigration and integration is at the forefront, emphasizing that subsidies are not tied to language and culture instruction. Another significant social problem is the situation of tens of thousands of NEET youth, for whom special programs must be created to solve the problems associated with their incomplete education and lack of job opportunities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative efforts are currently centered on the creation of new government programs designed to educate Estonia's own NEET youth and integrate them into the labor market. Furthermore, there is criticism regarding the shortcomings of the existing quota policy and integration measures.
1 Speeches Analyzed