Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-04-14
Political Position
A strong opposition stance against the Reform Party government, primarily focusing on energy security and the socio-economic crisis. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of prioritizing security of supply and affordable electricity prices over environmental objectives, especially given the current security crisis. The political framework is heavily results-driven, accusing the government of failing to ensure supply security for the public and businesses. The government is further accused of implementing tax hikes (VAT, car tax) that exacerbate poverty and inflation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise in the energy sector, referencing Finnish legislation (specifically the goals of the Transmission System Operator, or TSO) and the specifics of Estonian energy policy (including the owner's expectations for Elering). Utilizes technical terminology (such as dispatchable generation capacities and CO2 capture systems) and relies on energy experts, including Professor Alar Konist and other professors from the technical university. Furthermore, demonstrates awareness of socio-economic indicators (absolute and relative poverty, and the operations of the Food Bank).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly accusatory, urgent, and confrontational, especially when directed at the Prime Minister. Strong emotional appeals are employed, referencing poverty, hunger, and the suffering of children. The style is at times personal, accusing male politicians of the Reform Party of insulting and belittling female politicians, while simultaneously demanding statesmanship. It repeatedly utilizes accusations of lying and breaking promises (specifically regarding the temporary nature of the VAT increase).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active participant in the Riigikogu plenary sitting, posing repeated questions to the Prime Minister and taking the floor multiple times to offer rebuttals. The participant refers to specific recent events, including the ERR news report (at 15:39), last Friday's energy seminar, and the Chancellor of Justice’s proposals from the previous week.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the Reform Party-led government, which stands accused of misleading the public (concerning the VAT increase) and incompetence (the alleged utopian nature of its energy policy). The criticism is intense and accusatory, especially concerning tax hikes and the disregard for energy security. The government is also accused of "steamrolling" the opposition and behaving disrespectfully toward other politicians.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It signals a readiness to cooperate on matters of strengthening national defense, noting that the government can rely on the advice and resources of Isamaa. However, it stresses that during times of difficulty, unity is necessary, and criticizes the government's discourteous conduct, which obstructs effective collaboration. The overall tone suggests a lack of cooperation in energy and economic policy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong focus is placed on the socio-economic importance of Ida-Virumaa, opposing the elimination of oil shale-based energy production and the replacement of existing infrastructure with low-wage jobs. The particularly difficult situation of rural residents is also highlighted due to tax hikes and poverty.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly opposes the increase in the tax burden (VAT, car tax) and accuses the government of exacerbating the European Union's highest inflation rate. It demands affordable electricity prices for consumers and businesses and criticizes the government for taking a billion euros out of people's pockets. The focus is on the disregard for poverty eradication goals and ongoing livelihood issues.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on social justice and protecting vulnerable groups. It demands exemptions from the car tax for large families and people with disabilities. It also raises the issue of the demographic crisis and low birth rates, alongside the problem of deepening poverty (seen in the long queues at the Food Bank).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It demands legislative amendments that would obligate Elering to set a competitive and affordable electricity price as its goal. It focuses on the necessity of amending the car tax law to ensure exemptions for vulnerable social groups. Furthermore, it criticizes the government’s plans to dismantle the existing energy infrastructure and calls for investment in extending the lifespan of oil shale boilers.
8 Speeches Analyzed