Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Interpellation concerning the unspent budget funds of the Ministry of Education and Research (No. 805)
2025-10-07
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus centers on education funding and raising teachers' salaries, particularly increasing the support fund allocated to local municipalities for kindergarten teachers. There is also a strong emphasis on the need to elevate the teaching profession, differentiating between qualified and unqualified educators and granting teachers greater authority in school operations. This stance is firmly rooted in policy and values, demanding stable, long-term solutions to prevent annual disputes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the structure of education funding, citing carry-over budget funds and regulations concerning the minimum salary threshold for kindergarten teachers. Furthermore, there is a profound awareness of the restrictions placed on teachers' rights within the school environment, citing, for instance, the prohibition against confiscating mobile phones and removing students from the classroom. This expertise is aimed at resolving specific administrative and legal nuances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is respectful and analytical, addressing the minister with praise for advocating for teachers' salaries. The tone is simultaneously urgent, particularly concerning the issues of teachers' rights and qualifications, stressing the necessity of addressing their professional valuation. Logical argumentation is employed to put an end to the annual dispute regarding kindergarten teachers' salaries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to the interpellation submitted four months ago, which demonstrates early and planned action in raising education topics within the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). Furthermore, recent meetings with Estonian teachers were also mentioned, signaling active communication with stakeholders.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition, but the criticism is aimed at a system that normalizes the acceptance of unqualified teachers and diminishes teachers' rights within the school environment. The situation where the rights of parents and children have become stronger than those of teachers is also criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is prepared to acknowledge the minister's efforts concerning salary issues and is seeking a long-term agreement to ensure the stability of local government funding. Furthermore, opportunities for cooperation with other ministries are envisioned to improve teachers' rights in the future.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It is noted that regional aspects in the structure of education have been overshadowed by the salary issue. The primary focus is on the impact of national policy on local governments (LGAs) regarding the funding of kindergarten teachers' salaries, emphasizing the LGAs' expectations for state support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The increase in state expenditures in the education sector is supported, requiring the kindergarten teachers' support fund to grow by at least 50%. The objective is to ensure financial stability and predictability for local municipalities when covering personnel costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the quality of education and the valuation of the teaching profession, stressing the necessity of distinguishing between qualified and unqualified teachers. Furthermore, the issue of teachers' rights diminishing relative to the rights of parents and children is being raised, which subsequently impacts school discipline.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards ensuring the stability of education funding through a percentage increase in the support fund allocated to kindergarten teachers. The second priority is the expansion of teachers' rights in maintaining school discipline, specifically regarding the confiscation of mobile devices and the removal of students from the classroom.
2 Speeches Analyzed