Session Profile: Riina Solman

The speaker's political focus is centered on sharply criticizing the failure of the social welfare reform and the resulting poverty among pensioners, emphasizing that the government has failed to deliver on its promises regarding the availability of nursing home placements affordable with the average pension. Another key issue is the depopulation of rural areas and the deepening regional inequality, which the speaker attributes to the government's tax policy. The political stance is fiercely oppositional and performance-driven, demanding accountability and comprehensive, well-considered solutions from the administration.

The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the intricacies of social welfare financing (including state support and the pricing structure for nursing home beds) and the pension system (Pillar II and disability benefits). They utilize statistics and cite official documents, such as reports on pension adequacy published by the National Audit Office and the European Union, to substantiate claims regarding poverty among Estonian pensioners. Additionally, the speaker is well-versed in the regional policy framework and the challenges posed by internal migration.

The speaker's style is critical and at times emotional, particularly when addressing the safety and dignity of the elderly, utilizing heartbreaking examples. They combine logical argumentation (data, budget figures) with sharp accusations, such as "the enrichment of the Reform Party's gray cardinals" and the use of "jokk" (legal loophole) schemes. They value "substantive answers" from ministers and urge them to avoid "Reform Party sloganizing."

The speaker is highly active in the Riigikogu, submitting multiple interpellations to the Ministers of Social Affairs and Regional Affairs during a single sitting day, often following up on questions that were initially directed at previous ministers. He/She mentions participating in meetings of the union of pensioners' associations, demonstrating direct contact with target groups. His/Her pattern of activity is aimed at the continuous scrutiny and holding the government accountable for its actions.

The main opponents are the Reform Party and the government coalition as a whole, who are accused of implementing unfair tax policies and enabling the enrichment of care home owners. Criticism is directed at political hypocrisy (the Social Democrats' regional policy rhetoric stands in stark contrast to their votes in favor of tax hikes) and the "high-handedness" of specific ministers (Jürgen Ligi). The attacks are intense and politically charged, pointing toward systemic failures.

The speaker is prepared to commend the ministers (Karmen Joller, Hendrik Johannes Terras) for their substantive responses, but their overall style remains confrontational. They emphasize Isamaa's previous role in initiating the care reform and allocating the necessary budget, demonstrating a willingness to support equitable objectives. They welcome and commend their former colleagues from the regional policy department, referencing internal cooperation.

The speaker focuses heavily on rural areas and marginalization, stressing the necessity of guaranteeing basic services (stores, healthcare, educational institutions) and infrastructure. They cite examples from Põlva County (the closure of shops in Leevaku and Veriora, the departure of state agencies) and directly link regional inequality to a security threat.

The speaker opposes the proposed tax increases (including VAT, fuel excise duty, the car tax, and income tax on pensions), arguing that they disproportionately harm lower-income individuals and rural populations. He criticizes the market-based approach to social welfare and calls for a greater financial commitment from the state. Furthermore, he advocates for a reform of corporate income tax to incentivize local municipalities to create jobs.

The main social focus is the dignified well-being of the elderly, safety in care homes, and poverty alleviation. He/She raises the issue of employment for seniors (the 55+ age group) and the necessity of attitudinal shifts in the labor market. He/She addresses the topic of euthanasia/assisted suicide, criticizing the suggestions made by Ministry of Social Affairs representatives regarding cost savings (using the slogan, "No person, no problem").

The speaker is the initiator of the interpellations, concentrating on the deficiencies of existing reforms (the care reform) and oversight issues within social welfare. They criticize the failure to finalize legislation and demand that the state, when establishing standards, must also guarantee adequate corresponding funding. They cite the draft disability benefit bill as an example, noting that the proposed increase was laughably small.