By Agendas: Ester Karuse

Total Agendas: 30

Fully Profiled: 30

2025-10-06
Interpellation regarding failure in Basic School final examinations (No. 800)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education, highlighting detailed data regarding the results of mathematics exams and teacher turnover at Valga Basic School (more than half of the graduating students failed; 12 teachers departed). The analysis covers the social and administrative roots of the problem, including stress, the language barrier, and poor educational governance at the local level. The presentation utilizes quotes from the director of Valga Gymnasium and references to local media publications.
2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding the accessibility of secondary education in Estonia (no. 799)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

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.
2025-09-08
Inquiry regarding the loss of essential banking services from county centers (no. 773)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in regional policy and financial inclusion, citing specific data regarding the situation in Valga and Põlva counties. They detail the consequences, such as a 200 km driving distance to the nearest office, and link the lack of physical services to the issue of elderly security (specifically, scam calls). This expertise is further evident in the knowledge that the initial bank card is not sent via post.
2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The expertise has been clearly demonstrated in the fields of regional policy and education, bringing forth specific examples and data. Knowledge regarding banking services is specific (Valga and Põlva counties, the closure of Swedbank and SEB branches). Educational topics delve deeply into the competition for gymnasium places, restrictions on vocational education, and the negative consequences of basic school mathematics exams in Valga.
2025-06-12
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakostale, submitted by 42 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of personnel issues within the internal security sector, citing specific figures (nearly 200 vacant positions in the PPA) and describing the specific training of prison officers. He/She is well acquainted with the daily lives of these service members, knowing factually that police officers take on additional work in prisons, ambulance services, and rescue departments to earn extra income.
2025-06-11
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in public finance, tax policy, and social welfare issues. Specific figures and forecasts are used, such as the interest cost of the debt burden (320 million euros by 2027), bank profits (one billion euros), and the impact of abolishing the tax hump (500 million euros). Reference is made to the Bank of Estonia’s forecasts to support arguments concerning the necessity of permanent revenue sources.
2025-06-10
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (609 SE) - second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the mechanisms for supervising competition law and refers to statistical data regarding the detection of violations. He is familiar with the deficiencies in the legal tools available to the Competition Authority and the complexity of procedural methods. He is also aware of the mandated budgetary reduction targets affecting the agency.
2025-06-10
The Chairman of the Supreme Court’s overview of court orders, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the levels of the Estonian court system (county court versus subsequent tiers) and procedural differences (such as witness examination versus the review of documentation). To support their stance, both personal experience and the publicly expressed opinions of the business community are utilized.
2025-05-22
Draft resolution amending the Riigikogu resolution "Resolution of the Riigikogu on the formation of the Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republics of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia" (646 OE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The expertise is evident in the details of the Riigikogu's procedural processes and committee work, particularly the operational structure of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The speaker can accurately describe how committee meetings are held, the deadlines for amendments, and the method by which decisions are adopted.
2025-05-15
The Minister of Education and Research's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education, particularly concerning regulatory changes affecting schools and their practical implementation. They highlight specific details regarding the trial period at Valga Basic School (longer classes, later start time) and the resulting conflict among associated stakeholders (teachers, parents, and the local municipal government). The expertise is focused on analyzing failures in process management and stakeholder engagement.
2025-05-14
Second reading of the draft law on accession to the statute of the Institute for International Democracy and Electoral Assistance (559 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the Riigikogu's procedural rules, particularly concerning the stages between the first and second readings. This expertise includes a precise description of the deadlines for amendments, the decisions made by the leading committee (the Foreign Affairs Committee), and the requirements for the final vote. Specific emphasis is placed on the details of linguistic proofreading and procedural decisions.
2025-05-06
Inquiry regarding the reorganization of Kehtna Vocational Education Centre and Vana-Vigala Technical and Service School (no 733)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the vocational education reform and is familiar with the positions and proposals of the association of local governments (the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities) on this topic. The knowledge is specific, referencing concrete remarks and proposals published by the ELVL.
2025-05-06
Inquiry Regarding the Disruption of Railway Construction in Rohuküla (No. 731)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of transport and logistics, citing specific data (16 new Škoda trains) and referencing Elron's forecasts. This expertise involves planning procurements and calculating passenger flow, indicating a thorough understanding of the project details.
2025-05-05
Inquiry Regarding Rural Areas (no. 713)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates a strong awareness of regional service closures, specifically naming the Tax and Customs Board, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, Swedbank, and SEB Bank. Specific demographic data is utilized regarding the populations of Valga city and the surrounding municipality (12,000 and 15,000, respectively), which points to a deep understanding of the subject matter. The expertise relates to regional financial and public service infrastructure.
2025-04-15
The Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035."

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the country's digital development and governance capacity, focusing on issues related to personalized state services and inter-agency data exchange. To showcase this knowledge, a concrete, detailed example is used (a summons issued by the Defence Resources Agency to a young person with special needs) to illustrate systemic flaws.
2025-04-09
Draft law (559 SE) for the accession of the Statute of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – First Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu and the organization of the Foreign Affairs Committee, being able to describe the committee's sessions and decisions in detail. On substantive matters, they rely on official content summaries and impact assessments, particularly concerning the image of Estonian digital solutions and the promotion of democracy. The speaker repeatedly delegates the discussion of deeper substantive policy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2025-03-26
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of citizenship and integration, citing a study by the Integration Foundation and specific data (over 62,000 people and 79% readiness). He/She uses statistics and technical knowledge regarding the work of the Constitutional Committee to support his/her argument concerning the social scope of the issue.
2025-02-18
Draft resolution "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government Regarding the Imposition of a Temporary Solidarity Tax on the Banking Sector" (535 OE) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the logistics of bank service accessibility and associated regional issues. They provide concrete examples of branch closures in various cities (Valga, Narva, Pärnu, Võru). Furthermore, they highlight the differences between digital and in-person services and the resulting impact on the local population.
2025-01-22
First reading of the draft statement of the Riigikogu "In Support of the People of Georgia" (564 AE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the fields of foreign policy and international development aid, referencing Georgia's visa-free regime and EU-funded reforms. An analysis of Russia’s influence is also presented, emphasizing the necessity of keeping communication channels open. The expertise focuses on the mechanisms for supporting international solidarity and democracy.
2024-12-16
Overview of the Implementation of the "Fundamental Principles of Law-Making Policy Until 2030" in 2023.

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures, using technical terms like the "principles of good law-making" and the "intention to draft." They rely on survey data, specifically citing the 37% trust indicator, to support their argument about the relationship between quality and trust.
2024-12-16
Overview of the Implementation of the Fundamentals of Criminal Policy until 2030

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures and administrative practice, utilizing specific terminology such as the "principles of good law-making," "drafting of policy intentions," and "early engagement of stakeholders." This expertise is focused on assessing the government's trustworthiness and transparency.
2024-10-23
Minister of the Interior's political statement on internal security

15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional rights, directly referencing the guarantee of religious freedom and its inclusion in the constitution. They are also familiar with the specific political and legal issue concerning the government's potential liquidation of the MPEÕK.
2024-10-16
First reading of the bill (521 AE) on the declaration of the 1944 mass deportation of the Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the details concerning the mass deportation of Crimean Tatars in 1944, mentioning the approximate number of 200,000 deportees and the Central Asian destination. Awareness of the broader definition of genocide is also demonstrated, which encompasses attempts to destroy nationality, culture, and identity. This knowledge primarily falls within the domain of historical memory and human rights.
2024-06-13
Bank of Estonia 2023 Report

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of regional economic disparities and recognizes the limits of the central bank's direct influence regarding regional development issues. The expertise focuses on long-term structural solutions, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy programs outside major economic centers.
2024-06-12
Second Reading of the Riigikogu Resolution "Supporting the Introduction of Nuclear Energy in Estonia" (431 OE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the specific security challenges facing nuclear power plants in a wartime scenario and emphasizes the need for international consultation. They use security terminology and refer to a specific geopolitical situation (Ukraine) to justify the critical nature of their question.
2024-06-11
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement "On the Crisis of Democracy in Georgia" (449 AE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the long-term history of relations between Estonia and Georgia (dating back to 2004 and the 2008 aggression), as well as EU integration processes. This expertise encompasses EU-funded reforms, the visa-free regime, and the procedures for granting candidate country status. Furthermore, knowledge is shown concerning the handling of sanctions and decisions at the level of the Council of the European Union.
2024-06-03
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (395 OE) "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic not to Recognize the Results of the Presidential Elections of the Russian Federation"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of international law and diplomacy, addressing questions concerning the legitimacy of the Russian presidential elections. Competence is shown by referring to specific undemocratic factors, such as repressions, the absence of observers, and the organization of elections in the occupied territory of Ukraine. Reference is also made to the earlier positions of Estonian diplomats and the foreign ministers of the European Union.
2024-06-03
The written motion for a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, submitted by 22 members of the Riigikogu.

Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics, citing a specific data point regarding the duration of Estonia's economic contraction (nine consecutive quarters). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of economic recovery plans and an analysis of the government's actions. The minister's own quote concerning the lack of a cohesive government effort is utilized.
2024-02-13
Debate on Foreign Policy as an Issue of Significant National Importance, initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in European security architecture, transatlantic relations, and diplomatic strategy, employing concepts such as "Achilles' heel" and referencing the rules-based world order. This professional knowledge is also evident in the analysis of the strategic importance of foreign trade policy and consular services, with reference to the Estonian Foreign Policy Development Plan up to 2030. Furthermore, statistical data on the gender pay gap is utilized, noting its increase to 17.7% in 2022.
2024-01-24
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (360 OE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Resolution "Formation of the Estonian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe."

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the work of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee and the procedures for forming parliamentary delegations. A detailed overview is provided of the amendments, deadlines, and consensus decisions concerning the composition of the PACE delegation.