Session Profile: Madis Kallas
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
The political focus is on the education sector, particularly teachers' qualifications, salaries, and rights. The speaker strongly supports increasing the state's contribution to the salary fund for kindergarten teachers and stresses the necessity of differentiating between qualified and unqualified teachers. Furthermore, there is an urgent call for increasing teachers' rights within school operations to elevate the value of the teaching profession. These positions are predominantly policy- and value-driven.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates profound knowledge of the regional aspects of the education system, the correlation between teacher qualifications and exam results, and the financing mechanisms for local municipalities. He/She is aware of the inter-ministerial efforts (specifically between the Ministry of Education and Research [HTM] and the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture) to prioritize local food in public procurements. Specific examples are utilized, and the necessity for further analysis is emphasized (such as the Valga mathematics results and the Saaremaa gymnasium network).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and respectful, repeatedly addressing both the Minister and the Chair of the session. Logical arguments and concrete examples of regional issues are employed to support the political demands. Although the Minister is commended for championing the salary issue, the tone becomes urgent when the reduction of teachers' rights and the normalization of unqualified teachers are addressed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is participating in the discussion of a query that the Social Democrats submitted four months ago, which suggests this topic has been developing for a long time. Recent meetings with Estonian teachers and a discussion in the Culture Committee were mentioned, indicating active work on educational issues both within the Riigikogu and outside of it. The speeches were delivered immediately following Teachers' Day.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct criticism is not leveled at specific political opponents. The criticism is instead aimed at systemic issues, such as the erosion of teachers' rights relative to those of parents and children, and the acceptance of a situation where the number of unqualified teachers is increasing. The Minister is praised for advocating for teachers' salaries.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is collaborative, calling for joint efforts between the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture regarding the prioritization of local food in school procurements. The necessity of involving other ministries is also stressed, aimed at improving teachers' rights and ensuring better allocation of budgetary resources, thus signaling an openness to finding cross-ministerial solutions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the accessibility and quality of education in rural areas. Specific examples highlighted include the exam results in Valga County and the successful prevention of a crisis within the Saaremaa gymnasium network (Orissaare and Kuressaare Adult Gymnasium). Furthermore, there is an emphasis on clearly defining the roles of local governments and the state.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective focuses on directing state budgetary resources towards education and ensuring the stability of local government financing. Support is being given to increasing the support fund for kindergarten teachers' salaries by at least 50% to avoid the annual dispute over funding. Furthermore, we advocate for prioritizing local food producers in school procurements, which directly supports the local economy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is education, stressing equal access to secondary education and the need to value the teaching profession. There is a strong stance in favor of protecting teachers' rights and restoring their authority within the school environment, including the right to confiscate a mobile phone or remove a student from the classroom. It is emphasized that we must not normalize a situation where the number of unqualified teachers is increasing.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward amending regulations concerning teachers' rights and reaching budget agreements, particularly regarding kindergarten teachers' salaries. The speaker demands further analyses from the ministry (e.g., concerning schools in Valga and Saaremaa) and the conclusion of political agreements with local governments regarding financing.
5 Speeches Analyzed