Session Profile: Madis Kallas
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-05
Political Position
A strong focus is placed on combating the deepening of regional inequality, demanding concrete and targeted steps from the state. This stance is strongly rooted in values and policy, emphasizing the preservation of the region's viability through the retention of the Vana-Vigala vocational school. The political activity is characterized by concern over hasty decisions that lack a thorough impact assessment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise clearly lies in analyzing the impacts of regional policy and education reforms, particularly concerning peripheralization and the functioning of settlement units. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of targeted solutions, and specific measures are highlighted as positive examples, such as the principles governing support for six-grade rural schools and schools in island municipalities. The complexities of island logistics and permanent resident benefits are also discussed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is concerned yet demanding, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and steps, rather than just faith or promises. Both logical arguments (the lack of impact analysis) and strong emotional appeals are utilized, describing the school closure as the literal end of the functioning of the settlement unit. The communication is formal, addressing the minister and colleagues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They participate in the plenary session, posing inquiries and follow-up questions, which points to an active role in scrutinizing the government's work. Mention is made of a previous three-year struggle against rising ferry ticket prices, demonstrating a long-term commitment to specific issues. There is also a call to listen more closely to the residents of rural areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government and the minister for their actions (or inaction) concerning the planning of regional policy and education reforms. Specific criticism is leveled against making decisions without proper impact analysis, a practice which exacerbates the marginalization of remote areas. The minister is being held accountable for the decision to revoke the permanent resident benefit, with a direct request for the reasons behind this cancellation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Reference is made to previous cooperation with other politicians (Riina Sikkut, Piret Hartman) on the issue of ferry tickets, demonstrating a readiness for a joint, long-term struggle. The minister is urged to discuss these topics with their colleagues in the government in order to find solutions for reducing regional inequality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a very strong focus on regional and local issues, particularly the peripheralization and depopulation of areas in Central Estonia (Vana-Vigala) and on the islands (ferry tickets, permanent resident discounts). It is emphasized that rural areas need year-round vitality to maintain local services and overall sustainability. The negative consequences of the concentration of population in Harju County are also highlighted (traffic jams, long queues).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No direct positions on taxes or regulation are presented, but there is support for national measures aimed at alleviating regional inequality. There is a demand for expanding the permanent resident discount and preventing increases in ferry ticket prices, which indicates support for regional economic policies that benefit local residents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus centers on the accessibility of education and regional disparities, which impact the quality of life (kindergarten waiting lists, emergency room wait times). Emphasis is placed on the fact that maintaining vocational schools is critically important for preserving social structures (schools, shops, community centers) in rural areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is placed on steering government policy and reforms through parliamentary inquiries, primarily taking on the role of a scrutinizer and initiator. There is a demand for the development of similar targeted measures for vocational schools and colleges, mirroring those already implemented to support rural schools. The objective is to prevent rushed decisions that could have a negative impact.
3 Speeches Analyzed