Agenda Profile: Liina Kersna
The Minister of Culture's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of "The Fundamentals of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030")
2025-04-22
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The politician's main priorities are ensuring the vitality of the Estonian language and culture, and supporting the extension of the Estonia National Opera building. He strongly supports the Estonia project, calling it a nationally important commitment. The political framework is clearly value-based, emphasizing the need for continuous nurturing of culture and the adoption of new ideas. He questions the effectiveness of the horizontal management approach to language policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the size of the language corpus (4 billion words, with a target of 15 billion words) and the development of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, he is familiar with the legislative framework governing the construction of cultural objects, referencing discretionary power and the Government of the Republic Act. He utilizes academic sources and concepts when defining culture.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, passionate, and academic, utilizing a quote from a professor of cultural semiotics and the etymological definition of the word. It uses examples (such as Jazzkaar) to illustrate the symbiosis of the new and the old, and emphasizes obligation through repetitive phrases ("kanda hoolt," meaning "to take care"). The style is balanced, incorporating both value-based appeals and concrete data and procedural arguments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referenced the recent opening of the 36th Jazzkaar festival and noted that the Culture Committee has discussed the Estonia Theatre extension nine times in the last six months. He/She requested additional time, which suggests a desire to present his/her position comprehensively.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct opponent is named, but the criticism is aimed at those who question the feasibility or national priority of the Estonia Theatre extension. He/She stresses that administrative decisions are made in Estonia, not by UNESCO, thereby rejecting arguments regarding external interference.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation within the Culture Committee and points to the broad-based support for the Estonia extension from two compositions of the Riigikogu, which demonstrates a desire to achieve broad political consensus. He/She also refers to colleagues and the societal understanding required for achieving the goals of language policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on national priorities, such as ensuring the vitality of the Estonian language and culture, and positioning the Estonian National Opera as a landmark of high culture. There is also mention of bringing Tallinn Old Town and the underground bastions to the fore through a specific architectural solution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views focus on state investment in culture, noting that financial resources have been planned for the extension of the Estonia Theatre. Broader positions regarding taxes or budgetary discipline are not presented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is the preservation and development of the Estonian language and culture, which is stipulated as a constitutional obligation. Emphasis is placed on the need to adapt to new technology and ensure that artificial intelligence possesses a high proficiency in Estonian. This requires societal understanding and effort.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on implementing the state’s long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035," and on the structure governing language policy management. He emphasizes that the extension of the Estonia building can be carried out within the framework of existing legislation, by exercising discretionary power. He also inquires about the legislative effectiveness of language policy management.
3 Speeches Analyzed