Inquiry Regarding Teacher Salaries (No. 778)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Date: 2025-09-15 21:39
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 59
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 37m
AI Summaries: 59/59 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
As the seventh item on the agenda, the Riigikogu debated Inquiry No. 778 concerning teachers' salaries, submitted by Riigikogu members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeinik, Vladimir Arhipov, and Peeter Ernits. The initiator of the inquiry, Vadim Belobrovtsev (2BHGSELLyV4), stressed that the current minimum gross salary for teachers (1,820 euros) is outdated and is the main reason for the severe shortage of teachers and the insufficient influx of new personnel. He asked the Minister of Education and Research (MER), Kristina Kallas, whether the current salary conditions are dignified, whether the minimum rate will increase starting January 1, 2026, and whether the coalition agreement's goal of achieving a calculated teacher salary of 120% of the Estonian average wage by 2027 remains in force.
Minister Kristina Kallas refuted the claim regarding the size of the last salary increase (it was 71 euros gross, not 17 euros) and agreed that 1,820 euros gross is insufficient. She confirmed that the minimum salary for teachers will increase next year, although the percentage cannot yet be disclosed due to budget negotiations. The Minister highlighted that the abolition of the tax hump will increase teachers' annual income by 1,500 euros. She also confirmed the increase of the differentiation fund to 22% and the implementation of a phased career model (senior teacher coefficient 1.1 and master teacher 1.3). Kallas confirmed that the 120% goal has not been abandoned, but the proposal by the Education Employees' Union to raise the minimum rate to the level of the national average wage (a 20% increase) is not realistic. In the debate, Peeter Ernits (1CrXKnSHxU8) criticized the government for hiding behind defense expenditures and called upon teachers and other public sector employees to strike en masse. Lauri Laats (gnfWQsWjdaE) broadened the discussion to the quality of school meals and the shortcomings of the transition to Estonian-language education. Minister Kallas responded by emphasizing that there have been four years to meet the language requirements and that the transition is essential to ensure children's language proficiency.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Vadim Belobrovtsev, who submitted an interpellation and actively participated in the debate, criticizing the government's inaction regarding teachers' salaries and school meals. (other)
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced the transition to the seventh item on the agenda, which was Interpellation No. 778 concerning teachers' salaries, submitted by Riigikogu members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Lauri Laats, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeinik, Vladimir Arhipov, and Peeter Ernits. He then asked Mr. Belobrovtsev to come to the rostrum to deliver the report.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This announcement marks the beginning of the seventh item on the agenda and invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to present Interpellation No. 778 concerning teachers' salaries, which was submitted by the aforementioned members of the Riigikogu.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev sharply criticizes the low and outdated minimum salary floor for teachers (1,820 euros gross), which he identifies as the main cause of the acute teacher shortage and the threat of impending strikes. He demands concrete plans and commitments from the Ministry of Education to ensure a significant pay rise during budget negotiations, effective from January 1, 2026. This increase must bring teachers' salaries closer to the 120% of the Estonian average wage promised in the coalition agreement. He stresses that the salary increase must be substantial and serious, not merely symbolic.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev emphasizes that Estonian teachers’ salaries have fallen behind the times and demands a significant pay raise, specifically calling for the minimum teacher salary to be raised to at least the national average level, along with a real wage increase by 2026 to solve the teacher shortage.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the listeners and subsequently invited the honorable Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the questions of those who had submitted inquiries.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the assembly and, speaking from the Riigikogu rostrum, invites the honorable Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, to answer the questions put forward by the interpellators.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas refuted misinformation regarding the size of the teachers' last salary increase. She admitted that the current minimum salary (€1,820) is insufficient but confirmed that teachers' gross pay will increase next year (the exact percentage will be determined during budget negotiations). Furthermore, she stated that net pay will increase by at least €1,500 annually due to the abolition of the tax hump (or tax bracket change). Additionally, a commitment was made to increase the differentiation fund for implementing the career model, all while keeping the long-term goal of raising teachers' salaries to 120% of the Estonian average in mind, even though a 20% increase in the minimum salary for next year is not considered realistic.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas confirmed that teacher salaries will increase next year and the tax bracket distortion will be eliminated. The objective is to achieve approximately 120% of the national average salary by 2027, coupled with a 22% differentiation fund and a tiered career model featuring coefficients of 1.1 and 1.3. However, raising the minimum salary threshold to the national average level is currently deemed realistic only if significant budget increases and negotiations occur.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi concluded his segment by thanking the audience, and then handed the floor over to Vladimir Arhipov to begin the Q&A session, noting that there were at least a couple of questions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience, informed them that there were at least a couple of questions, and requested that Vladimir Arhipov start asking them.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov asks whether negotiations between local governments and the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM) concerning teachers' salaries and the collective agreement for early childhood education staff will take place on Wednesday.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov is addressing the Minister to seek confirmation regarding Wednesday's negotiations, which cover both the salary issues for teachers between local governments and the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM), and the conclusion of the collective agreement for early childhood education workers.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
We are not participating in the collective agreement negotiations for early childhood education staff because we are not providers of early childhood education; this is between the local governments and EHL.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas explains that they are not participating in the collective agreement negotiations for early childhood education staff because they are not the providers of early childhood education, and this is an issue between local governments and the EHL.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev expressed satisfaction with the decent salary of teachers working in Ida-Virumaa and asked when other Estonian teachers would receive the same pay.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev acknowledged the good pay level of teachers in Ida-Virumaa, but immediately raised the question of when this decent remuneration would be extended to pedagogues in other Estonian regions as well.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas confirmed that the minimum salary for teachers and the differentiation fund will definitely increase next year, but it is still too early to release the precise financial figures.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
The Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, confirmed that next year the minimum base pay for teachers will rise, and the differentiation fund will increase in the same way, but it is currently too early to name specific figures.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invited Peeter Ernits to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits posed a direct question to the minister, casting doubt on the government's (Stenbock's) actual capacity to allocate and disburse specific large sums of money, referencing the 1% figure, or 7 million.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits asked the minister how much could actually be taken out of Stenbock House (the government budget) in the case of the 1% portion that costs approximately 7 million.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas explained that while the increase in next year's expenditures, particularly given the rise in defense costs, is significant, she cannot yet reveal a specific percentage because negotiations are continuing and the budget remains unlocked.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas stated that the exact percentage of the budget cannot be confirmed at this time because negotiations are ongoing and the budget has not yet been finalized. Furthermore, given the increase in defense spending, a significant rise in costs is anticipated next year.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience, announced that there would be no further questions, opened the floor for discussion, and called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev sharply criticizes the state for its inaction and insufficient contribution to both raising teachers' salaries (stressing that the increase must not be merely nominal) and funding school meals. He emphasizes that the 1 euro per day per child allowance, which has remained unchanged for eight years, is inadequate to ensure healthy and tasty food, and demands that the state take responsibility, especially concerning state schools, instead of passing the buck to local municipalities.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She emphasizes the importance of raising teachers' salaries but criticizes the state's continued policy of allocating only 1 euro per day for school lunches. He/She demands a greater state contribution to ensure that school meals are healthy, tasty, and utilize local ingredients, although he/she doubts whether this is even feasible with just one euro.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi apologized to his colleague for the interruption, pointing out that the previous query concerned school meals, but currently, teachers' salaries are the topic under discussion.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi announced that he was taking a brief moment, referred to the previous query regarding school meals, and stated that the focus would now shift to discussing teachers' salaries.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He firmly asserts that he will get there.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi said that perhaps the speeches got mixed up.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev sharply criticizes the state’s approach to the teachers’ salary issue, stressing that a mere 5–7% raise and an increase in the differentiation fund will not solve the problem, as the responsibility for allocating these salary increases is once again being pushed by the state onto local municipalities.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is criticizing the government's approach to teachers' salaries, pointing out that a meager 5–7% raise simply isn't enough. He notes that any further salary increases now hinge on the differentiation fund and the school operators themselves, effectively shifting the responsibility from the state onto local municipalities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks for three extra minutes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi briefly requested an additional three minutes to continue his remarks.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev emphasizes that tax cuts must not overshadow the necessity of raising the minimum salary for teachers, and the state must ensure consistent wage increases in all regions for all public sector employees.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev criticizes the government’s promise that abolishing the tax hump will solve the teachers’ salary problem, highlighting the previous double blow delivered through tax increases. He demands that the state resolutely raise the minimum salary threshold for teachers, while also wisely using the budget funds that have been found to improve the incomes of police officers, rescuers, and workers in other vital sectors, stressing that all teachers are important, regardless of their location.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
That was the expression of thanks, and the next speaker is Peeter Ernits.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits delivered a sharp critique of the government's priorities, arguing that the lack of funding for the social sector (teachers, cultural workers) is directly tied to the excessive prioritization of defense spending. This preference persists despite reports from the State Audit Office indicating that the Ministry of Defense is unable to systematically utilize even the funds it already possesses. He further condemned the current war hysteria as mere fear-mongering. To conclude, he urged undervalued public sector workers—including teachers, police officers, and rescuers—to organize mass strikes aimed at forcing the poorly supported governing coalition to make concessions.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits is calling for teachers, police officers, and rescue workers to go on a mass strike, arguing that the government undervalues their contribution and funding. He claims the government is diverting resources to increase defense spending amid war hysteria, necessitating large-scale strikes to secure better wages and financing.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller posed a direct question to the audience, asking if they wanted extra time.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller asks if the audience wants extra time.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits confirms that it takes a couple of minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks for a couple of minutes and sets the time limit at three minutes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller set a short, two-to-three-minute time limit for the next speaker.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits describes the current government as a waterlogged and rotten tree, and boldly urges people to protest, stating that a wage increase is realistically achievable only if approximately 500 people come out simultaneously on two consecutive days.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits compares the current government to a thoroughly rotten tree, which is held together only by spit and wire and will collapse at the first touch. He calls on people to bravely and massively take to the streets—at least 500 people at a time and for two consecutive days—because only a fear-inducing protest will compel the government to find the necessary millions for salary increases for teachers, rescuers, and police officers.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asked Lauri Laats to take the floor.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats highlights issues concerning the funding of school catering and the quality of food, as well as the teacher shortage exacerbated by the impact of language proficiency requirements on available positions. He requests alternatives, training opportunities, and funding, and urges people to stand up for honesty and education.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats has issued a sharp critique of the real situation in the education sector, rejecting the government's assertions that all is well. He highlights two primary concerns: first, the underfunding and poor quality of school meals, which is causing children to skip lunch; and second, the strict language requirements set to take effect next year for assistant teachers and support specialists. These requirements, coupled with a lack of language learning support, will lead to the mass dismissal of specialists without replacements. He demands that the minister speak the truth and champion education.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanks and invites the minister to participate.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas emphasized that Estonia must accelerate the transition to Estonian-language instruction, increase opportunities for an Estonian-language environment and language learning, and ensure that children whose mother tongue is Russian acquire Estonian at the B1 level so they can continue their studies in an Estonian-language school going forward.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas criticized the preceding debate as a "theatrical performance" and defended the transition to Estonian-language instruction. She refuted claims that there had been insufficient time to meet the language requirements, stressing that assistant teachers and support specialists have actually had four years to learn the language. She justified the essential nature of the transition by explaining that in the Russian-language education system, children spend only about 5% of their time engaging with the Estonian language. Consequently, they fail to achieve the required B1 level over nine years. She concluded that creating an Estonian-language environment is the only way to guarantee these children's continued educational path in Estonia.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the Minister, confirmed that Lauri Laats's name had been called, and subsequently allocated him two minutes for a response speech.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speaker thanks the minister, notes that he heard Lauri Laats’s name mentioned, and grants two minutes for a response.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasizes that although the faction supports all Estonian residents having proficiency in the Estonian language, the current transition of the education system to Estonian-language instruction has been carried out hastily and without proper preparation, suffering from insufficient methodology and a lack of teachers. This damages the overall quality of education and deprives both Estonian-speaking and non-Estonian-speaking youth of knowledge.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats notes that the transition of Russian- and Estonian-speaking youth to the Estonian language has been carried out over the course of four years without the necessary preparation. Methodologies, textbooks, and teachers are lacking, and this threatens the quality of the entire education system and the knowledge of the youth.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller offered his thanks and announced that the discussions had concluded and we have completed the seventh item on the agenda.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller closed the debate, simultaneously confirming the conclusion of the consideration of the seventh item on the agenda.