Agenda Profile: Ester Karuse
Inquiry regarding the accessibility of secondary education in Estonia (no. 799)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on the crisis of secondary education accessibility, which is being treated as systemic injustice and the undermining of the foundation of equal opportunities. The speaker strongly demands proactive planning and forecasting from the state to ensure the availability of school places for all young people, especially considering that education is compulsory until the age of 18. Criticism is directed at the government’s failure to foresee and resolve the problem, stressing that this is a systemic, rather than a one-off, issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in education policy and school network planning, citing specific data regarding the increase in the number of basic school graduates (comparing 2010 births with those of 2009). They stress the necessity of having a comprehensive overview, accurate forecasts, and a systemic approach when securing educational placements. Furthermore, they possess knowledge concerning vocational education and the level of competition for its most popular specializations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and concerned, emphasizing the emotional dimension of the problem (parental unawareness, an unhealthy and exhausting struggle) while simultaneously demanding logical and systemic solutions. The speaker employs formal language but incorporates personal references to parental anxieties to underscore the gravity of the situation. In conclusion, hope is expressed for substantive answers and solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker submitted the formal inquiry already on June 17th, demonstrating proactive action before the end of the session to draw attention to the problem. They cited active communication with constituents, mentioning that several parents had contacted them regarding their concerns. The pattern of activity is directed toward oversight and demanding solutions from the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the inability of the state and the government to secure the necessary gymnasium places required for fulfilling compulsory education, highlighting a systemic issue and a lack of preparation. The objection is political and procedural, focusing on the state’s failure to meet its obligations, rather than being personal. Specific opponents or political parties are not criticized by name.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is demanding yet constructive, emphasizing the need for close collaboration with local governments, public schools, and private schools to find swift solutions. The speaker expressed satisfaction upon hearing that negotiations with the City of Tartu have already begun and solutions are being sought, which indicates an openness to the solutions proposed by the minister.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is broad, covering both major centers (Tallinn, Harjumaa, Tartu, Pärnu) where competition is intense, and rural areas where schools are being closed down. A separate question was raised regarding the preferential treatment of young people from Tartu, indicating an interest in safeguarding the rights of local youth. The issue is perceived within both the urban and rural contexts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core social issue revolves around the accessibility of education and equal opportunities, stressing that education must serve as the foundation for the future of our youth. Furthermore, the state’s obligation to guarantee a school placement for fulfilling compulsory education until the age of 18 is highlighted. The speaker stresses that young people must be afforded fair opportunities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on oversight and guiding the government's actions via parliamentary inquiries. The priority is the planning and forecasting of the education network to prevent future crises, coupled with the requirement to open new upper secondary school classes, expand existing schools, and collaborate with private schools.
3 Speeches Analyzed