Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-07
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the ongoing social reform, which would establish a unified base rate, thereby leaving many target groups without necessary support. This stance is both value-based (citing a lack of justice) and results-oriented (given that the government's actual track record is one of worsening the situation), accusing the leading party of deception. The speaker, representing Isamaa, supports the proposal to terminate the proceedings of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social policy, focusing specifically on disability benefits, informal caregivers, and the loss of unemployment insurance for young people with special needs. They reference the criticisms raised by specific interest groups (the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People) and are aware of the risk of increased workload for social workers. Furthermore, they are up-to-date on the legislative amendments discussed in the Social Affairs Committee concerning the shifting of the age limit of childhood for children requiring special care services.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and at times combative, especially when criticizing the opponents' past actions while they were in government. Emotional appeals are used, highlighting the difficult situation of vulnerable target groups (family caregivers, children with disabilities), particularly in rural areas. The speaker also employs ideological criticism, calling the system overly socialist and accusing the leading party of deception (or: sleight of hand).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to active participation in the work of the Social Affairs Committee, including the recent consensus decision reached during the processing of the draft amendment to the Social Benefits for Persons with Disabilities Act. Previous discussions with the Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee and communication with stakeholders were also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the Social Democrats (SDE) and the leading party, criticizing their past actions in government (tax increases, ignoring the problems of disabled people). The criticism is both policy-based and procedural, accusing the government of superficial engagement and worsening the situation. Separately, the SDE's behavior in opposition is criticized, which leaves the impression that they are behind everything, despite earlier consensus in the commission.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the importance of cooperation within the opposition and supports the procedural motions put forth by colleagues, citing shared victories in the Social Affairs Committee. However, he criticizes the Social Democrats for violating the spirit of cooperation, pointing to their disregard for the consensus reached in the Social Affairs Committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Emphasis is placed on the specific problems faced by rural areas, citing the example of a family caregiver who lives in a rural area and is raising a child with disabilities. It is noted that rural areas lack actual services and adequate subsistence support, which severely complicates the situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Tax hikes (including the car tax) are being opposed, as they have worsened people's standard of living and eroded social guarantees. The social reform is criticized as being an overly socialist system for those who pay taxes proportionally, since they only receive a universal basic rate in return, rather than proportional compensation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus centers on protecting the social protections and livelihood of people with disabilities, young people with special needs, and family caregivers. The speaker is strongly opposed to changes that would result in the loss of social protections or encourage an increase in long-term unemployment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on opposing the social reform bill, which concerns the establishment of a common base rate, and there is support for terminating its proceedings. The secondary focus was on the draft amendment to the Social Benefits Act for Disabled Persons, where the Social Affairs Committee decided against raising the age limit for children requiring special care from 16 years to 18 years old.
3 Speeches Analyzed