Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-26
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, emphasizing national security in the context of the eastern border and the importance of ensuring Estonian-language education, which he/she views as a security issue. The speaker opposes the stance that reduces local government politics solely to municipal policy. Furthermore, he/she expresses caution regarding the draft law concerning the foreign influence on religious associations, fearing its potential abuse.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of security issues, citing threat assessments from the Estonian Internal Security Service (Kaitsepolitsei) and the arrest warrant issued for the director of the Narva Museum. He/She is also well-versed in the specifics of legislation pertaining to the activities of religious associations and the fundamental principles of international law. Additionally, to bolster their arguments, they bring up a specific foreign legal precedent (the Päivi Räsänen case).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, argumentative, and at times urgent, especially when addressing security issues, where it employs firm denial to refute counterarguments ("It is not. This is a security issue"). It utilizes a logical appeal, drawing upon commission discussions and international precedents. The tone is generally formal and focuses on substantive matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in plenary sessions, posing detailed questions to the rapporteur. Their pattern of activity suggests frequent involvement in committee work and discussions regarding draft legislation, staying fully informed about both the original content of the bill and any subsequent amendments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the views of colleagues belonging to the Centre Party, who underestimate the role of local government politics. She/He also criticizes local municipalities that have hindered the transition to Estonian-language instruction. Additionally, she/he expresses concern about the potential negative impact of the bill, which could open the door to the harassment of religious individuals, citing the example of Päivi Räsänen, who suffered persecution at the hands of a prosecutor.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker referred to the successful cooperation within the committee, noting that the rapporteur and the committee accommodated him by removing the concerning point from the draft bill. This demonstrates an openness to compromise in the legislative process, provided that his concerns are substantively taken into account.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly tied to security issues concerning the eastern border, citing the events in Narva as an example and pointing to the influence of a foreign state. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the role of local government in obstructing the transition to Estonian-language instruction, which indicates concern regarding local educational policy decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is focusing on ensuring Estonian-language education through state gymnasiums, seeing this as a question of security and national development. Another important social topic is the protection of religious freedom and the concern that laws should not open the door to cases where religious leaders are persecuted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at bills regulating the activities of religious associations, particularly those intended to limit significant foreign influence. He/She actively critically evaluates these bills, demanding clarifications and amendments, such as those concerning how threat assessments provided by the Security Police are taken into account.
2 Speeches Analyzed