Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
Interpellation concerning the insufficient state funding of school meals and the resulting inequality (No. 797)
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance focuses on the question of responsibility regarding the funding of school meals, criticizing the minister’s emphasis on the distinctions between the state and local municipalities. The speaker strongly stresses that for Estonian parents, the outcome is what matters, not the bureaucratic division of responsibility, referring to the minister’s approach as "passing the buck." The position is strongly results-oriented and aimed at improving the government's performance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the issues facing school life and the organization of education, particularly concerning the division of responsibility between the state and local municipalities. The expertise offered is framed primarily from the viewpoint of a citizen and a parent, rather than through the analysis of technical data or legal statutes. Everyday analogies (such as Swedbank) are employed to simplify this complex administrative matter.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style begins anecdotally and ironically, drawing an analogy between the daily life of the Riigikogu (catering, concentration levels) and school life. In the substantive section, the tone becomes critical and direct, employing a simple yet effective comparison (Swedbank) to criticize the practice of shirking responsibility. It concludes with a direct challenge to the minister: "Or am I mistaken?".
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Minister of Education, whose explanation regarding the division of responsibilities between the state and local municipalities is considered an inappropriate approach. The criticism is intense and centers on the avoidance of political responsibility ("passing the buck"). The opposition is both procedural and results-oriented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, emphasizing responsibility toward all Estonian parents and children. The speaker positions themselves as "a representative elected here by the people of Estonia." There are no references to specific regions or local projects.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The insufficient state funding for school meals is addressed, which points to the need to ensure adequate state financing for the social sector. Specific positions regarding taxes, regulation, or economic growth are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around education and the quality of school meals, examined specifically from a parental perspective. It is emphasized that the state must guarantee the proper functioning of this social service and actively work to prevent inequality.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on holding the executive branch accountable through an interpellation (No. 797), which addresses the problems concerning the financing of school meals. The speaker is positioned in the role of both initiator and critic, demanding better governance from the government.
1 Speeches Analyzed