Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-05-14
Political Position
The political position is strongly oriented towards supporting the social sector and people with special needs, emphasizing the state's moral obligation. The most acute issue is the underfunding of special welfare services (a shortfall of 50 million euros) and the isolation of families. This position is value-based, stressing the inherent worth of every individual and the need to establish a sense of social security. The state has failed to prioritize this area, a failure which the speaker strongly criticizes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of special care and social welfare legislation, detailing the availability of services, the length of waiting lists, and funding issues. Specific discussions held in the Social Affairs Committee, presentations by the Ministry of Social Affairs, and a 50 million euro deficit are mentioned. They are also familiar with the background of the care reform and specific cases involving welfare institutions (e.g., Pihlakodu).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, anxious, and insistent, utilizing strong emotional appeals by describing the despair of families, social isolation, and gut-wrenching cases. The emotional message is supported by facts, such as the length of waiting lists and the need for funding. The speaker adopts a cautionary tone, stressing that the state simply cannot afford to let parents collapse under such a heavy burden.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member of the Social Affairs Committee, regularly attending sessions and debates, including the recent discussion concerning the Pihlakodu cases. They present during plenary sessions to outline the procedure for draft legislation and are involved in initiating amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the inaction of the state and the government, which has left the special care sector neglected and underfunded, and at the fact that this has not been a priority area for the state. Local municipalities are also criticized for their inability to provide sufficient services and support workers. Society more broadly is criticized for turning a blind eye and maintaining a superficial attitude toward the social sector.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized collaboration with colleagues on the Social Affairs Committee and with external partners, such as the Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities and the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities. This cooperation is focused on implementing consensus-based proposals, for instance, concerning the adjustment of the age limit for childhood. Cooperation with Helmen Kütt on suspending the procedure was also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social policy and funding, although the limited accessibility of services in rural areas is emphasized. Furthermore, the varying capacity of local governments (KOV) and the lack of services available to address these concerns are highlighted.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the underfunding of the social sector, highlighting a 50 million euro shortfall in the special care sector, which indicates the necessity of increasing public spending. As a solution, the involvement of the private sector is proposed in order to save the investment costs of the state and local governments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the care of people with profound disabilities, along with the resulting family problems, social isolation, and impoverishment. Emphasis is placed on the need to improve the funding and accessibility of personal support services and to ensure emotional and material assistance for families. The unfortunate treatment that has occurred in welfare institutions is also addressed, while simultaneously highlighting the dedication and compassion of the majority of the staff.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on improving access to special welfare services, specifically by raising the age limit for childhood from 16 to 18 when placing individuals on the service waiting list. The speaker is a strong proponent of this amendment and stresses that it was implemented consensually, taking into account the wishes of the Chamber of People with Disabilities.
3 Speeches Analyzed