Session Profile: Ester Karuse
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
The most prominent issue is educational inequality and poor administration, particularly in the Valga region. The speaker adopts a position of strong opposition to the low mathematics exam results and sharply criticizes the state’s unequal regional policy (specifically, the lack of wage subsidies in Valga) and the educational management of the Valga Municipal Government. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, emphasizing the need to guarantee equal educational opportunities for all Estonian children. Finally, a direct appeal is made to the residents of Valga not to vote for the current incumbents.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the organization of basic and upper secondary education, particularly concerning mathematics exam results, admission requirements, and achievement level groups. Specific statistical data is used regarding Valga Basic School (50/85 failures), and reference is made to the Valga Gymnasium director's explanations concerning remedial study groups and the impact of stress. They are also aware of the labor disputes between the local government and the teachers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is passionate, forceful, and sharply critical, employing both emotional appeals (inequality is more brutal; Valga has been abandoned) and concrete facts and quotes from local leaders. Rhetorical questions are repeatedly used to highlight regional disparity ("Why is Martin from Valga less important than Sergei from Kohtla-Järve?"). The piece concludes with a direct political call to action aimed at voters.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker submitted a formal query to the Minister of Education and Research on June 17th and is now raising the issue at the plenary session. There is also mention of participation in the education debate at Valga Gymnasium last week. This pattern of activity demonstrates systematic engagement with the local education crisis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Valga Municipal Government, which is accused of poor educational management, engaging in legal disputes with teachers, and dismantling the local education system. The Municipal Government's actions are described as creating a negative atmosphere and stifling teacher motivation. The Ministry of Education and Research is also criticized for its policy of unequal regional salary support, which leaves Valga struggling.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is intensely regional, centering on the city and municipality of Valga, which the speaker considers their hometown. Emphasis is placed on the seriousness of Valga’s educational problems (low exam results, language barrier) and the unequal treatment Valga receives regarding wage subsidies compared to regions in Ida-Virumaa (Narva, Kohtla-Järve).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Education is a dominant social theme, addressed from the perspective of ensuring equal opportunities and social mobility. The impact of stress, low self-esteem, home circumstances, and the language barrier (poor proficiency in the state language) on learning outcomes is highlighted. Furthermore, support is given to ensuring that compulsory schooling is fulfilled until the age of 18.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on monitoring the implementation and outcomes of existing educational policies through an official inquiry. Solutions are being demanded for providing remedial support in upper secondary schools and ensuring that 18-year-olds fulfill their compulsory education requirement. Furthermore, the minister’s position is sought regarding the discontinuation of counting the mathematics exam as a requirement.
4 Speeches Analyzed