Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Draft law amending the Basic and Upper Secondary Education Act and the Vocational Education Institutions Act (620 SE) – First Reading
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The most striking issue is the state’s insufficient contribution to funding school meals, specifically criticizing the current 1-euro subsidy. The political position is strongly oppositional and results-driven, accusing the state of a significant divergence between its formal rhetoric and its actual actions concerning children’s welfare. The speaker criticizes the state’s "stone-faced" attitude, where it limits itself to providing only the bare minimum contribution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of school meal prices and the financing structure, citing specific data for the municipalities of Elva (2.80 euros, including the breakdown) and Nõo (under 1.50 euros). Concrete financial figures are utilized both to illustrate the local situation and to prove the inefficiency of the national policy. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the Minister of Education's alleged pattern of activity (over 300 meals served in schools).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is direct, critical, and sharp, employing emotional imagery (for example, "with a dull fish face") to characterize the state's inaction. The speaker combines specific data (prices and the breakdown of funding) with a personal challenge, demanding detailed information from the minister regarding their experience and associated costs. The tone is quite demanding and skeptical.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The available data is restricted to the speaker's participation—specifically, the asking of questions—during the first reading of the legislative bill in the Riigikogu. The speaker himself references the minister's alleged activity (over 300 meal occasions in schools within 1.5 years), yet information concerning the speaker's own patterns is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the state (the government) and the Minister of Education, whose policies are deemed insufficient regarding child welfare. The criticism is policy-driven (insufficient funding) while simultaneously being scrutinizing, demanding detailed information from the minister regarding his alleged school visits and the price range of the meals provided. No willingness to compromise has been expressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation or willingness to compromise. The speaker formally addresses the chairman and the rapporteur, but their remarks are aimed at sharply criticizing the policy and demanding data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The presenter has a clear regional focus, drawing examples from South Estonian municipalities, specifically Elva and Nõo. These local examples are used to illustrate the unevenness and shortcomings of state funding.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Support is being given to increase national spending in the social sector, specifically regarding the funding of school meals. The state's current contribution (1 euro) is criticized as insufficient, which highlights the need for greater national support for local governments and parents when covering these costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is ensuring children's welfare and school catering, which is considered nationally important. The speaker emphasizes the importance of children and criticizes the state for insufficiently fulfilling this social obligation, which forces parents and municipalities to incur additional costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft amendment to the Education Act (Bill 620 SE), particularly concerning the financing of school meals. The speaker is critical of the funding level stipulated in the bill and intends to raise this issue in parliament, demanding clarification from the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed