Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Cultural Workers' Salaries
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
Political Position
The political focus is on the insufficient raising of the minimum wage for cultural workers with higher education and the prioritization of this topic. The speaker strongly supports the wage increase, stressing that the issue is fundamentally about setting political priorities, drawing a comparison to the advocacy for teachers' salaries. A proposal was also presented to consider merging the Ministry of Education and Culture to ensure greater attention is paid to the cultural sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the wage policy for cultural workers, presenting specific statistical data regarding the percentages and years of previous salary hikes (e.g., 13.5% in 2016 and 22.1% in 2018). They are also very familiar with the scale of the salary increases implemented during the term of their predecessor, Piret Hartman, and the years when no increases occurred (2021, 2024, 2025).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and respectful, addressing the Speaker of the Riigikogu and the Minister directly. The rhetoric relies heavily on facts and historical data concerning salary increases, employing a logical comparison with teachers' salaries. Finally, gratitude is expressed for the Minister's efforts regarding the 2026 budget outlook, but it is stressed that there is always room for improvement.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is only one address available in the Riigikogu that focuses on the specific budget and salary issue. No other modes of operation are present.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at past political priorities that failed to advocate strongly enough for the salaries of cultural workers, unlike the salaries of teachers. The current minister is implicitly criticized by asking why the same strong advocacy has not taken place, even though their efforts regarding the 2026 budget are acknowledged.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is constructively inquisitive, involving the presentation of direct questions to the minister and the proposal of solutions, such as the merging of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The minister's efforts are acknowledged, which signals an openness to dialogue and the search for solutions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly at the national level, addressing the minimum wage for cultural workers with higher education and the structure of ministries. Although debates held before the local government elections are mentioned, the central theme is the national wage policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective supports state budget expenditure aimed at increasing the salaries of cultural workers, emphasizing that this is a priority that must be established regardless of economic challenges. Targeted compensation for specific labor groups within the public sector is also supported.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the fair compensation of highly educated cultural workers and achieving salary parity with teachers. The emphasis is placed on professional recognition and equality within the public sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed towards the 2026 budget and securing salary increases for cultural workers. Furthermore, the topic of merging ministries is being raised as a structural change, which is tied to the prioritization of the cultural sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed