Session Profile: Riina Solman
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-04
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional, centered on resisting the government’s tax increases (excise duties) under the pretext of curbing inflation. They back popular legislative proposals (such as ending the practice of changing the clocks), stressing that the government ought to support these measures. The overall political framework is designed to emphasize the government’s failures and broken promises.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise is evident in the legislative procedure (questions concerning the rules of procedure addressed to the presiding officer) and in fiscal policy, where excise duty increases, the abolition of the income tax curve, and the taxation of profit are discussed in detail. Interest is also shown in political financing, referencing the ERJK and the hypothetical calculation of audit accounts.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and often sarcastic, employing humor directed both at the chair and the opposition (e.g., "Grilling Võrklaev," "the tired look"). Strong accusatory terms are utilized (e.g., "twisting the truth," "sleight of hand") to highlight the divergence between government promises and reality, focusing primarily on emotional criticism and attacks on credibility.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, asking multiple questions in a short space of time concerning both the substance of the draft legislation and the conduct of the session chair. This pattern of behavior indicates rapid responsiveness and procedural intervention, as they are constantly participating in the debate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition and the Reform Party, who face fierce criticism over tax hikes and breaking previous promises. The criticism targets both policy issues (inflation, excise duties) and credibility, with the Prime Minister's statements being labeled an "information operation" or "a distortion of the truth."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic, expressing support for sound bills and helping to bring them into the legislative process to prevent them from being shelved. Although communication with the coalition is confrontational, the speaker engages directly in dialogue with colleagues (e.g., Social Democrat Aivar).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Regional focus is absent, except for an anecdotal reference to the Viljandi Folk Festival and the concert "Ando and Friends" used to illustrate a procedural question. The primary focus is on national tax policy and legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly regarding the reversal of excise duty increases, in order to curb inflation and ensure people have more disposable income. The government's tax policy is criticized, and calls are made for alternative funding sources, citing the Reform Party's plan to abolish the 'tax hump' as a potential area for savings.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, strong support is emphasized for ending the practice of changing clocks, justifying this by citing the desire of residents of Estonia, as a Nordic country, to have more daylight hours. This is the only social issue clearly highlighted.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at repealing the excise tax hikes and supporting the bills to end daylight saving time. The speaker is an active proponent who helps bring crucial issues to the floor and criticizes the coalition for sidelining them.
5 Speeches Analyzed