Agenda Profile: Liina Kersna
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other related laws (establishing the obligation to attend school) – third reading
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance involves strong support for the education reform (raising the compulsory schooling age to 18), which is viewed as the catalyst for significant substantive change. There is an emphasis on increasing flexibility and individuality in learning paths, offering young people options like a gap year or vocational training. However, concerns have been raised simultaneously about the substantial need for additional funding that will arise in the education sector in 2026. The overall focus is centered on policy and reform.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of the education reform, addressing specific topics such as the flexibility of learning pathways, opportunities for obtaining vocational and secondary education, and the implementation of the teachers' career model and the differentiation fund. Technical terms regarding education funding and structure are employed, for instance, referencing the thresholds for basic school final examinations and the comparability of vocational education funding with general education.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and argumentative, initially optimistic and supportive ("It is a joy to note"), but the tone shifts to anxious and urgent when addressing financial needs. The speaker focuses on logical connections (a formal change precipitates substantive changes) and the presentation of political solutions. Emotional appeals are absent; the emphasis is on political analysis and the prevention of future problems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Based on the data provided, the only known activity is participation in the third reading of the draft bill amending the Education Act (447 SE) on behalf of the Reform Party faction. Other patterns of activity, frequency of appearances, or meetings are not evident.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct criticism of the opposition is absent. The only point of concern is the reference to future funding needs, which is criticism aimed more at the government or fiscal policy, rather than being directed against a specific adversary.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the position of the Reform Party faction, demonstrating internal consensus and strong support for the draft legislation. Tõnis Lukas is referenced in connection with a funding concern, which indicates a certain degree of consideration for the views of other colleagues and the continuation of the discussion on the matter.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national education policy, curricula, and financing systems. Regional or local topics are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of increasing state expenditure on education starting in 2026 to guarantee the success of the reform. There is a call to raise the minimum teacher salary, increase the differentiation fund, and align vocational education funding with that of general education. The core stance emphasizes the need for investment and budget planning within the education sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is education and opportunities for young people, emphasizing the raising of compulsory education to the age of 18. The objective is to ensure flexible and individualized learning paths for youth in order to reduce dropout rates and support the completion of their education, including by offering the option of a gap year.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting and voting for the draft legislation (447 SE) concerning the raising of the compulsory education age. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the necessity of initiating or supporting legislative amendments regarding the requirements for basic school graduation, and ensuring funding mechanisms for the implementation of the teachers' career model.
1 Speeches Analyzed