Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
2025-06-02
Political Position
The speaker is taking a sharply critical stance against the government, focusing on the deficiencies in social security and the lack of accountability surrounding the Pihlakodu case. The political focus is both value-driven and results-oriented, demanding a clear chain of responsibility and preventative measures from the state to protect vulnerable members of society. Furthermore, the speaker criticizes the government’s demographic and education policies, particularly those affecting Ida-Viru County.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the oversight mechanisms governing social welfare, highlighting the limited mandate of the Social Insurance Board (SKA) (only observations, not sanctions) and the role of the Prosecutor's Office. In their arguments, they utilize the results of the National Audit Office's audit concerning the reform and financing model of care homes, and refer to demographic statistics regarding the decline of the Estonian-speaking population in Ida-Viru County.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is urgent, serious, and consistently critical, stressing that the Pihlakodu case is "a matter of national dignity." The speaker employs both emotional appeals (avoiding suffering, fear for one's parents) and logical and procedural arguments (the chain of responsibility, legislation, bureaucracy). He repeatedly emphasizes the core issue of assigning accountability to avoid a situation where "everyone is responsible, but in reality, no one is."
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker remains active during the Riigikogu plenary session while ministers answer interpellations, posing repeated and clarifying questions to both the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Social Affairs. The speaker also references participation in joint meetings of the Social Affairs Committee with the ministers, demonstrating active involvement in committee work and consistent monitoring of relevant topics.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition’s position is aimed directly at the government and ministers, who are criticized for their passivity, offering insufficient solutions, and sending contradictory messages (e.g., regarding gender-based care). The Justice Minister’s stance that "nothing can be done" is deemed unsatisfactory. The criticism targets both political inaction (lack of prevention) and previous decisions (the cutting of child benefits).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates openness to cooperation, agreeing with and supporting the views of Helmen Kütt (likely a representative of another political party) regarding the reform and quality of care homes. He/She actively participates in inter-ministerial working groups and committee meetings, although remaining skeptical about their overall effectiveness.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A key regional focus is Ida-Virumaa, where they are fighting the closure of Toila Gymnasium. They emphasize that restructuring the school network must not conflict with the objective of transitioning to Estonian-language education in a region where the proportion of ethnic Estonians has rapidly declined.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker identifies as a member of a right-wing party who supports the private sector and motivated entrepreneurs. However, he criticizes the current system where the profit margins of nursing home operators are disproportionate to the affordability of the service, suggesting that the system favors profits over accessibility. He calls for a reassessment of the funding model.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the safety and dignity of the elderly and people with dementia in care homes. He/She emphasizes the need to prevent abuse and ensure human dignity, including the option for gender-specific care. He/She also criticizes the government's cuts to benefits for large families.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's primary legislative priority is establishing a clear chain of accountability and an effective oversight mechanism for care homes, designed to address society's pressing concerns. He calls for a comprehensive review of existing legislation, amendments to the penal code concerning the liability of legal persons, the recognition of the failures of the 2022 care home reform, and a serious overhaul of that model.
8 Speeches Analyzed