Educational Issues in Estonia
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-01-17 15:28
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu information session addressed questions posed to the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, concerning the state of education in Estonia. Riigikogu member Arvo Aller first raised the issue of the future of Toila Gymnasium, criticizing the Ministry of Education and Research's proposal to close the gymnasium section and the ministry's decision to classify the corresponding information request for 75 years. Minister Kallas explained that Estonian-language and Estonian-minded gymnasium education is guaranteed in Ida-Virumaa through the state gymnasiums in Jõhvi and Kohtla-Järve, and that the forecasts for basic school students in Toila are based on the number of births in the Toila and Voka regions. Aller then asked about the case of University of Tartu professor Vjatšeslav Morozov, who was arrested on suspicion of treason. The Minister stressed that security vetting is the responsibility of internal security institutions and that citizenship in itself is not a determining factor in assessing loyalty. She added that English-language instruction is common in research work, but Estonian-language instruction must be guaranteed at the first and second levels of higher education. Valdo Randpere posed a clarifying question regarding the teachers' strike and the Minister's supportive stance, criticizing the reforms and cuts expected from Kallas. Kallas acknowledged that she understands the reasons for the teachers' strike, which are primarily related to working conditions, not just the minimum wage. She emphasized the diffusion of responsibility between the state (minimum wage) and local governments (employer, workload). The Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Education and Research has cut 16 million euros from its budget in 2024, which corresponds to the ministry's entire annual budget for workforce and economic activity.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today, the Riigikogu submitted the eighth question to the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas. The questioner is Arvo Aller, and the topic is education issues in Estonia.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller questioned the minister during the information session regarding the Estonian-language instruction and the closure of the upper secondary school section at Toila Gymnasium. He criticized the restrictions on information requests and asked what steps the minister and the ministry are taking to ensure Estonian-language upper secondary education in Toila and Ida-Virumaa.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
In Ida-Viru County, the opportunity for Estonian-language and Estonian-minded gymnasium education will be guaranteed to the youth of the Toila and Voka regions through two state gymnasiums in Jõhvi and Kohtla-Järve, utilizing birth rate forecasts and emphasizing that 135 is not a number carved in stone, and the number of basic school study places is a matter for negotiation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked them and invited Arvo Aller to ask his clarifying question.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller notes that the detention of Professor Vyacheslav Morozov, a Russian citizen at the University of Tartu, and the subsequent initiation of an investigation raise questions. He asks the minister how similar incidents could be prevented from occurring again in Estonia, and whether there are other professors with Russian ties.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas said that internal security organizations are responsible for conducting security checks, and education policy does not have the authority to make decisions regarding this. However, studies at the bachelor's and master's levels must take place in Estonian, despite English dominating in science, and citizenship does not determine loyalty to the state where one lives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and now asks Valdo Randpere to ask a supplementary question.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere voiced concern that before the elections, Eesti 200 had created a strong impression regarding budget cuts and state finances, but the situation has changed since the elections. With a teachers' strike looming next week, he questioned whether their plans had simply crumbled in the face of reality or if there was still a sustainable vision for reforming the school network. He stressed that the Ministry of Education's substantial budget should provide the necessary room to increase teachers' salaries.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Your time is now.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She is expecting a strong statement from you on this matter, maybe even right away.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks everyone and invites the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, to speak.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas stated that she understands the teachers' strike and would be willing to strike herself, but the goal of the strike is not the minimum salary, since that is rising, but rather the working conditions. Responsibility for these conditions is dispersed between the state and local governments, meaning no one assumes final accountability. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education’s budget was cut by 16 million euros in 2024. A portion of this cut went toward salaries, and another portion was used to cover old commitments, which only exacerbated the funding issue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave thanks and announced that he was concluding the consideration of the eighth item.