Interpellation regarding the non-payment of salaries to teachers (No. 601)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-04-01 20:43
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 24
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 33m
AI Summaries: 24/24 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated an inquiry on February 8, 2024, concerning the non-receipt of salaries by teachers (Inquiry No. 601), which was submitted by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeiniku, and Vadim Belobrovtsevi. The objective was to clarify what data and grounds support the claims that state-allocated funds are not reaching teachers' salaries, and whether there is an intention to reclaim the money or initiate state supervision. The inquiry was sparked by the teachers' strike in January and raised questions regarding the promises made in the coalition agreement and the role of local governments in monitoring the targeted use of the funding. Furthermore, precise data was requested concerning the time period, schools, and amounts, as well as the consideration of state supervision or clawback mechanisms if necessary. Another important topic was the claim that paying salaries during the strike was not in compliance with the law, and the related legal analysis and potential actions concerning this matter.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made during the inquiry procedure.
Most Active Speaker
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart was the most active speaker; a member of the Riigikogu and the representative of the questioners. Position: other (opposition-based, sustained critical attention regarding the earmarking of the funding and the issue of comprehensive state government oversight).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The next item on the agenda is the consideration of the interpellation (No. 601) submitted on February 8, 2024, concerning the failure to meet teachers' salary targets. The interpellation was submitted by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvarti, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Andrei Korobeinik, and Vadim Belobrovtsev, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvarti was requested to serve as the rapporteur.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This interpellation stems from the January teachers' strike and requests precise data detailing which schools and what specific amounts of money allocated from the state budget failed to reach teachers' salaries, an explanation for the basis of these claims, a plan to reclaim the funds and implement state supervision, as well as a legal analysis concerning the payment of wages during the strike.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked the rapporteur and stated that before responding to the Prime Minister, Henn Põlluaas had a question for the presiding officer of the session.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas stated that although it is claimed the prime minister had nothing to do with cutting family benefits, the initiative still originated with the government and bore the prime minister’s signature.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi emphasized that laws are passed by the parliament and that changes to family benefits are made through legislation, although the accuracy of the initial assertion is questionable. He also confirmed that the government's draft bill bears the Prime Minister's signature and asked Kaja Kallas to answer the questions posed by the Riigikogu interpellators.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that the teacher salary subsidy will be distributed to local municipalities via the equalization and support fund, and the relevant data is based on the school operator (not calculated per individual school). She noted that the state allocated 123.3 million euros to the City of Tallinn in 2024, funding that could have created 3,516 positions at a salary of 2,184 euros. However, the city only opened 3,229 positions (8.1% fewer), resulting in teachers being overworked and the proportion of education spending in the budget having decreased. While changes to the funding model are being considered, and oversight is provided by the National Audit Office and the Ministry of Education and Research, she does not support strikes or call teachers to demonstrations, stressing that the responsibility rests solely with the Tallinn City Government.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked the Prime Minister, announced that there were some questions, and invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Your answers confirmed that the funds were not misused.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas expresses displeasure and surprise, saying, "What the heck!"
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart claims that fewer teaching positions have been opened in Tallinn, which points to the inaction of both the state and local governments, resulting in teacher overload. She highlights Tallinn's high average salary (2,418 euros, 133% of the Estonian average) and asks what steps the state and the city of Tallinn are taking to fill these vacancies.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas criticized the City of Tallinn, stating that although Tallinn is the richest municipality, it contributes less to education (37.7% of the budget compared to the Estonian average of 47.2%). Furthermore, she noted that fewer places are created there for teacher training and year-end bonuses are paid out, which she finds disgraceful.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov's speech focused on the disappointment of teachers' expectations and the failure to deliver on promises. He also addressed the delayed supplementary payment intended for teachers instructing in Estonian in Ida-Virumaa, a delay which the Ministry of Education and Research justified by citing data verification needs. Jevgrafov stressed that this holdup further complicates recruitment efforts for schools already struggling with teacher shortages.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman asks Aleksei Jevgrafov to come forward.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the substantial salary subsidy paid to teachers in Ida-Virumaa requires verification to ensure their ability to teach in Estonian, and therefore this process will take time so that nothing is done incorrectly.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi called upon Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev asked the Prime Minister whether there was political gain in the actions of the coalition partners during the strike, and whether the government would appeal to the National Audit Office to investigate the proper allocation of funds or any potential irregularities.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas stated that exploiting the situation for political gain was inappropriate, and she has already conveyed this to them personally, stressing the independence of the National Audit Office and the fact that it cannot be given orders. She hopes the National Audit Office will address the confusion regarding education subsidies.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the Prime Minister, announced that the questioning period was concluded, opened the floor for debate, and allocated Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart three additional minutes.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report criticizes the government and the coalition for their handling of the teachers' salary issue. It recalls the promise to raise salaries to 120% of the Estonian average, yet after four months of discussions, the result is only 17 euros, and the money isn't even reaching the teachers. This situation, coupled with the wasting of resources and the constant search for accountability, demonstrates a lack of governing ability and raises fears of serious crises.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Please welcome Vadim Belobrovtsev to the stage.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev claims that the Estonian government has shattered trust in the state by failing to keep its promises (for example, the promised salary increase was 1.7% instead of 8%). As a result, teachers are experiencing severe burnout and most are considering changing professions, and general trust in the state will decline if the government continues making decisions that affect families and pensioners.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks for one more minute.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech emphasizes that the government is generating increasing distrust toward the state because the promised salary increase is not materializing, and the teachers' strike demonstrates that trust is falling. The speaker desires a government that would increase trust.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the speaker for the measured address, concluded the discussions and the consideration of the agenda item, and announced a five-minute recess called by the Chairman, noting that we had been moving ahead of schedule.