By Plenary Sessions: Ester Karuse

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.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the education sector, focusing specifically on the shortage of upper secondary school places and the limitations facing vocational training. Demographic data is utilized, referencing the difference in the number of children born in 2009 and 2010, to forecast the worsening of the admissions crisis. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of having a holistic overview, accurate forecasts, and robust cooperation with local municipalities.

The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge regarding the impact of banking service closures in Southeast Estonia, highlighting Valga and Põlva counties, and noting the significant distance (nearly 200 km) to the nearest physical branch in Tartu. Emphasis is placed on the practical needs of the elderly who cannot access digital services, entrepreneurs, and individuals requiring their first bank card.

The speaker exhibits expertise in regional and education policy, citing specific examples of service loss (Valga and Põlva counties, Swedbank, SEB). Regarding education, he shows knowledge of both the competition for admission and the failure rate of basic school exams, referencing the example of the city of Valga. He connects various policies, such as extending compulsory schooling and closing down secondary schools (gymnasiums).

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of internal security personnel and recruitment, citing factual data regarding the nearly 200 vacant positions within the PBGB (Police and Border Guard Board). Particular emphasis is placed on the specific nature of prison officers' work, noting the requirement for specialized training (service weapon, handcuffs, baton, gas, and specialized techniques). The speaker is also aware of the practice of police officers taking on additional work in the prison service, EMS, and rescue services, referring to this situation as the "real world."

The speaker demonstrates expertise in fiscal policy, budget deficit management, and the mechanisms of the social sector, focusing specifically on the funding sources for the supplementary budget and the national debt burden. Specific financial data is utilized, citing the increase in interest expenses (320 million euros by 2027), the impact of abolishing the income tax exemption mechanism (500 million euros), and the forecasts provided by the Bank of Estonia. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about previous increases to the subsistence level.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the structure of the judiciary and the field of competition law. Statistics are utilized (specifically, the low incidence of competition violations) alongside technical terminology (such as procedural methods and legal instruments). Furthermore, references are made to specific public debates and personal experience gained during court trials.

The expertise is evident in the details of the Riigikogu's procedural processes and the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The speaker commands specific knowledge regarding the formation and replacement of the Baltic Assembly delegation, utilizing official and technical language ("procedural actions," "by consensus").

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education policy implementation, focusing specifically on school requirements regulations and how they affect the daily routines of schools. A detailed case study (Valga Basic School) is used to illustrate procedural errors and social tensions, citing issues such as longer class periods and a later start time for the school day.

The speaker demonstrates authority and detailed knowledge of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) procedural rules, citing specific dates and committee decisions. This expertise is focused on managing the legislative process within the lead committee, including setting deadlines for submitting amendments and overseeing linguistic proofreading.

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of regional policy and service accessibility, specifically citing the closure of offices belonging to the Tax and Customs Board (Maksu- ja Tolliamet), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa), Swedbank, and SEB Bank in Valga. Furthermore, they are familiar with the Elron train procurement (16 new Škoda trains) and the requirements of the Rohuküla line, as well as the ongoing discussions regarding vocational school reform within the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities.

The assessment focuses on problems within state information systems and inter-agency communication. He/She highlights a specific example of the unsuccessful data matching between registers concerning the social sector (children with special needs) and military service obligation. The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the operation of the Defense Resources Agency and the register of military conscripts.

The expertise is clearly demonstrated by the detailed knowledge of the Riigikogu's procedural processes and the work specifics of the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing the dates of sessions and procedural decisions. Substantive knowledge regarding the IDEA organization is provided through citations from official summaries, emphasizing the support of democracy and the international advancement of Estonian digital solutions. In the case of substantive questions, the speaker shifts responsibility to the minister, limiting their role to that of a committee representative.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of citizenship policy and integration, citing specific data (over 62,000 people) and referring to the Integration Foundation's survey (79% readiness). They use statistical comparisons ("five towns of Valga full of people") to underscore the scale of the issue.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the accessibility of banking services and the closure of regional offices, citing examples of branch closures in Valga and Narva, as well as the potential threat facing Pärnu and Võru. He/She focuses on the direct impact of financial policy (the bank tax) on local communities. The speaker's expertise lies in using specific regional examples to support a political argument.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in foreign policy and international development cooperation, citing Georgia's visa-free regime, EU-funded reforms, and the necessity of imposing sanctions. They also show a strong grasp of Russia's influence and role in Georgia's relations, stressing the importance of maintaining communication channels. This expertise is specifically directed toward mechanisms for supporting democracy.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures, utilizing technical terms such as the "Intention to Develop Legislation" and the "principles of good law-making." The analysis focuses on procedural shortcomings and their direct link to the government's trustworthiness, also referencing a specific trust rating (37%).

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the constitution and the principles of guaranteeing religious freedom in a democratic state. He/She is familiar with a specific political and legal issue concerning the possible liquidation process of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the definition of genocide and historical memory, explaining that genocide also encompasses attempts to destroy nationhood, culture, and identity. He/She draws parallels between the historical suffering endured by Estonia and the Crimean Tatars, referencing mass deportations and repressions. Violations of international law related to the occupation of Crimea and the war in Ukraine are also addressed.

The speaker demonstrates awareness of regional economic disparities and recognizes the constraints faced by the Bank of Estonia in directly impacting regional development. The expertise centers on the implementation of financial literacy programs within the education system, viewing this as an indirect measure for economic growth. He/She stresses the specific needs of areas situated outside major economic hubs.

The speaker demonstrates interest in and knowledge of high-level security matters, connecting general security (referring to the presenter as a "security person") with the specific issue of nuclear power plant safety. Specifically, the need for expertise regarding the war in Ukraine and its impact on nuclear facilities is highlighted.

The speaker demonstrates expertise on foreign policy and European Union enlargement issues, referencing specific historical dates (Estonia's support since 2004, the 2008 aggression) and the support provided to Georgia by the EU. Particular emphasis is placed on knowledge regarding the handling of sanctions and decisions concerning the future of accession negotiations at the level of the Council of the European Union.

The speakers demonstrated knowledge of macroeconomics, referencing the precise period of decline (nine consecutive quarters in a row) and the necessity of a recovery strategy. Expertise in international law and diplomacy was also evident, highlighting the undemocratic aspects of the Russian elections, such as repression and the holding of elections in occupied territories.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in security policy, emphasizing the roles of the European Union and NATO, and highlighting the Achilles' heel inherent in Europe's dependence on US contributions. The critique of foreign trade policy is especially detailed, referencing the significance of the Osaka Expo and pointing out the contradiction between closing consulates and the foreign policy development plan running through 2030. Specific data is utilized, bringing attention to the percentage of the gender pay gap (17.7% in 2022).

Possesses deep expertise regarding the working procedures of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the formation of international delegations. Uses precise institutional terminology (PACE, substitute members, spring session) and provides detailed background explanations regarding the adoption of decisions. Demonstrates authority when presenting the handling and timeline of Riigikogu Draft Resolution No. 360.