Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-23
Political Position
The political position is conservatively cautious, emphasizing the necessity of eliminating any possibility of abuse and ensuring patient safety. The speaker holds the view that palliative care and hospice facilities must be fully established before the legalization of end-of-life declarations, citing the 2017 opinion of the Chancellor of Justice. This stance is strongly value-based, focusing on sending the right signal to society so that elderly individuals do not feel like a burden. The speaker represents the views of the Isamaa faction and identifies as a conservative.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge concerning the practical application of medical ethics and healthcare, focusing on deficiencies in palliative care and the implementation of advance directives within emergency medical services (EMS). Technical terms such as "digital health record" and "palliative care" are used, and reference is made to the Hippocratic Oath and earlier working group discussions. Particular emphasis is placed on the practical challenge of how to apply an advance directive in cases involving young, healthy individuals who have suffered an accident.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, cautious, and substantive, addressing both the minister and colleagues respectfully. Both logical arguments (lack of regulations, insufficient research) and emotional examples (young accident victims, the feeling of being a burden) are employed. The speaker emphasizes the need for "delicacy and caution" when addressing the topic and uses rhetorical questions to highlight the practical shortcomings of the draft bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session debate on the draft bill, repeatedly questioning the minister. Reference is made to prior involvement in the Social Affairs Committee discussions ("about a year ago") and a recent meeting with the minister within the Isamaa faction, which demonstrates consistent engagement with the topic at both the committee and faction levels.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the premature handling of the draft bill and the inadequate regulation of its implementation, rather than the goal of ensuring a dignified end of life. Criticism is leveled against the "ruling party's opinion" regarding society's maturity and a State Chancellery employee's sharp retort concerning the topic of euthanasia. The criticism is substantive and focuses on ensuring safety and preventing the transmission of wrong signals within society.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is respectful, thanking the Minister and colleagues for the substantive discussion, but it remains conditional. The speaker notes that the Isamaa faction wishes to meet with the Minister again, as the draft bill raised further questions, indicating the need for additional clarifications and the development of regulations.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national and legislative, addressing Estonia’s healthcare system and societal preparedness. There is no regional or local emphasis present in the speeches.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views indirectly relate to the healthcare sector, noting that during the discussion of the draft legislation, emphasis was placed on the potential savings it could generate for the health system. The speaker stresses that the money saved should be utilized to enhance treatment options, citing the necessity within a sector that has ever-growing financial needs.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
At the heart of the social issues are a dignified end of life, patient safety, and the societal signals that the bill sends. The speaker warns that the draft law should not signal that some people are a burden on society. The necessity for a broad public survey to assess the maturity of society is emphasized, and reference is also made to the position of the bishop of the Estonian Catholic Church.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical analysis of the draft end-of-life declaration of intent and the lack of regulations governing its implementation. The speaker demands clarification of these regulations and prefers the designation "declaration of intent to cease treatment." The full development of the national guideline and action plan for palliative care is considered a priority before the declaration of intent is legalized.
7 Speeches Analyzed