Session Profile: Liina Kersna
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-12-18
Political Position
The political focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Adult Education Act, which establishes the concept of micro-qualification at the statutory level. The speaker strongly supports the bill, emphasizing the necessity of aligning the legislation with the practice already offered by universities (176 micro-degrees). The approach is policy-driven and centers on the quality of drafting legislation and procedural correctness.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the field of adult education and higher education policy, utilizing specific terminology such as micro-qualification, state administrative fees, and credit point-based funding. The expertise further encompasses the technical aspects of drafting legislation and a detailed familiarity with the standpoints of the ministry (HTM) and key stakeholders (the Rectors' Council, the Unemployment Insurance Fund).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly formal, procedural, and informative, focusing exclusively on reporting the work of the Culture Committee during the preparation for the second reading. The discourse is objective and logic-based, relying on facts, dates, and the detailed presentation of stakeholder positions, entirely devoid of emotional appeals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislative manager, accurately detailing the sittings of the Cultural Affairs Committee (December 9 and 16) and the comprehensive stakeholder engagement meeting (December 3). This pattern of activity demonstrates a commitment to managing the bill’s procedural timeline and planning future steps (the final vote on January 15).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct political confrontation or criticism; the speaker focuses instead on the neutral mediation of disagreements between interest groups (such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and the ministry (HTM). Regarding rejected proposals (for example, reducing the state levy), the ministry's rationale is explained, emphasizing the need to cover costs in order to save the taxpayer money.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is highly inclusive and consensus-driven, emphasizing close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research and the broad involvement of stakeholders. The commission fully took into account the suggestions made by several parties, particularly those from the Rectors’ Council, demonstrating a willingness to compromise when refining the content of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national level, addressing the nationwide legislative framework for adult and higher education policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations support fiscal discipline regarding state fees for quality assessment, emphasizing that the fee (€1450) must cover the agency's costs to avoid burdening the taxpayer. At the same time, the private sector’s (training companies) concern about the impact of high fees on competition in the provision of micro-qualifications is acknowledged.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is education and lifelong learning, focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of adult continuing education through the formalization of micro-qualifications. The objective is to establish assurance regarding quality training providers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Draft Bill 465, which proposes amendments to the Adult Education Act aimed at enshrining the concept of micro-qualification into law. The speaker is both a supporter and the rapporteur responsible for processing the bill, tasked with submitting amendments on behalf of the Cultural Affairs Committee, including the proposal to postpone the effective date until April 1, 2025.
1 Speeches Analyzed