Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Inquiry Regarding Differences in Teacher Salaries (no. 790)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is currently on educational and regional inequality, particularly concerning the standardization of teachers' salaries nationwide. This stance is strongly geared toward systemic changes aimed at reducing salary dependence on student numbers and ensuring teachers receive 1.2 times the average Estonian salary. Furthermore, concerns about wage disparities are being extended to other groups of local government employees. The policy is clearly value-driven and focused on achieving greater regional parity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of education funding mechanisms, referencing class sizes, the impact of student enrollment figures, and the supplementary salary coefficient specific to Ida-Virumaa. Statistical indicators are utilized, such as 1.2 times the average salary and county-level wage disparities (over 140% versus barely over 100% of the county average), to underscore the magnitude of the issue. This competence also encompasses the necessity of analyzing potential correlations between learning outcomes and remuneration.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, calm, and highly conciliatory, repeatedly stressing the desire to hold a "good dialogue" and a "substantive and peaceful discussion" with the minister. The speaker avoids accusations and focuses on logical argumentation, presenting six structured questions aimed at solving the problems. The rhetoric is geared towards finding a common solution, not confrontation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is connected to the fulfillment of the Riigikogu's supervisory function through an interpellation, which seeks to initiate analyses and policy changes within the ministry. The speaker is aware of the minister's recent meetings with trade unions, which indicates continuous political monitoring.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no oppositional attitude on a personal level, as the speaker emphasizes that they do not plan to accuse anyone or highlight specific failings. The criticism is directed at systemic shortcomings, such as the excessive link between teachers' salaries and the number of students, and the resulting regional inequality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is highly constructive and open, calling upon the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the ministry to "jointly" focus on the issue and discuss potential solutions. The objective is to ensure a substantive and peaceful discussion so that we can move the topic forward.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is very strong, concentrating on educational inequality both across the rural-urban divide and within different cities and counties. Specific emphasis is also placed on the challenges arising from low population density in rural areas and the impact of teacher salary levels in Ida-Virumaa. The objective is to ensure the highest possible remuneration for teachers in every region of Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on valuing the public sector workforce and standardizing wages to reduce the regional pay gap. Measures are supported that would help raise teachers' salaries to 1.2 times the Estonian average wage, and socio-economic supports are proposed (such as housing or transport allowances). Furthermore, a more equitable wage policy is demanded for local government employees.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core social issue is educational inequality and raising the value of the teaching profession, in order to ensure the best possible education in every region of Estonia. Social measures proposed include housing and transport subsidies, which would help appreciate the teaching profession and accelerate regional mobility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently directed at amending the methodology for calculating salary allocations. The goal is to ensure these calculations better reflect regional characteristics and lessen the reliance on student numbers. Key priorities involve commissioning studies on the effect of the Ida-Virumaa salary scale and its relationship to learning outcomes, alongside launching new support initiatives.
3 Speeches Analyzed