Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Inquiry Regarding the Closure of Rural Schools (No. 406)
2024-01-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance centers heavily on opposing the closure of rural schools, deeming it a serious threat of rural decline and marginalization. The speaker stresses that this is an existential issue, impacting the preservation of Estonian identity (Eestlus), Estonian culture, statehood, and national security. This position is value-based and calls for a response at the government level, criticizing national priorities that are being pursued at the expense of education.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the school closure cases in Lääneranna municipality, referencing specific schools (Metsküla, Lõpe, Koonga) and the progress of the legal proceedings. The scope of expertise covers the funding ratios within the education sector, the budgetary issues of local governments, and the connection to the problem of teacher recruitment. Specific state support measures for maintaining primary schools are also mentioned.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, passionate, and concerned, utilizing strong contrasts and emotional appeals (e.g., the transformation of Metsküla school into a "guerrilla school"). Sharp criticism is leveled at the spending practices of the government and local municipalities, referencing "humbajumba" and "voodoo specialists" within the Ministry of Climate. The speaker balances detailed facts (court rulings, euro amounts) with a broader, value-based discussion concerning the preservation of Estonian identity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity includes submitting inquiries (submitted in the spring, with a response requested in January) and consistently following up on the topic. They mention their participation in the work of the Culture Committee and are awaiting the upcoming discussion on the nationally important issue of rural schools.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are local municipalities, who are being criticized for making anti-education decisions and wasting money (for example, the renovation of the Lihula manor distillery). The government is also facing criticism for failing to set proper priorities, choosing to fund other expenditures over education, such as Rail Baltic, IT development projects in Africa, and handing out bonuses to PRIA officials.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expressed satisfaction with the Minister’s substantive and thorough response, indicating a readiness for dialogue. At the same time, they hope the Minister will have more political clout within the government to defend education priorities, even if it means doing so at the expense of other ministries' expenditures.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is highly specific, centering on the cases of rural school closures in the Lääneranna municipality (Metsküla, Lõpe, Virtsu, Varbla, Koonga). More broadly, the emphasis is placed on the threat of rural marginalization and the necessity of supporting communities and local primary schools across all of Estonia to prevent settlements from dying out.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are highly critical of resource allocation at both the national and local levels, stressing that education is underfunded. It is noted that tax hikes and rising energy prices are severely impacting local municipalities, but criticism is also directed at wasteful spending at the national level and anti-education funding decisions in local budgets.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is education and the viability of communities in peripheral areas, which is tied to the preservation of Estonian identity and culture. Strong emphasis is placed on the need to support local schools (grades 1–6) and the right of parents for their child to attend a specific school they consider the best.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on submitting inquiries and scrutinizing government policies concerning the closure of rural schools. Attention is also being paid to the implementation of the state subsidy (intended for maintaining primary schools for grades 1–6) and its potential negative side effects, specifically where local governments use this support as a pretext to close older grades.
5 Speeches Analyzed