Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Amending the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act" (279 OE)
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position focuses on the issue of education and integration of Ukrainian children. The speaker strongly opposes the officials' "overzealous desire" to forcibly assimilate the children, emphasizing that this creates a stressful situation for both teachers and the children. A preferred solution would support Ukrainian-language instruction and respect Ukraine's wish to see its people return after the war, prioritizing a value-based approach.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the daily life in Estonian schools, emphasizing the continuous fluctuation in class compositions and the resulting fatigue among teachers and children. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the opportunities provided by Ukrainian e-learning and the presence of Ukrainian teachers who have arrived in Estonia, offering these resources as an alternative solution.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and concerned, emphasizing the tension of the situation and the fatigue of the parties involved. Rhetorical questions are used to cast doubt on the motives of the opposing side ("Why is it necessary to forcibly turn them into Estonians?"). Appeals are made both to emotions (tired children and teachers) and to practical alternatives (e-learning, Ukrainian teachers).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at officials whose "overzealous desire" to forcibly turn children into Estonians is deemed wrong and unnecessary. The opposition is political, calling into question the goals of the integration policy and its impact on the day-to-day work of schools.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker begins by thanking the presenter (Jaak), which demonstrates courtesy at the start of the debate. Subsequently, a strong objection and an alternative solution are immediately presented. This indicates a readiness to engage in debates, but not an obvious openness to compromise on fundamental issues of integration.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national education policy and the international topic concerning the education of Ukrainian war refugees in Estonia. Local or regional Estonian issues are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is education and immigration/integration, with emphasis placed on the need to preserve the linguistic and cultural identity of Ukrainian children. The speaker opposes forced integration and supports the provision of Ukrainian-language instruction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft amendment to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (279 OE), the first reading of which is currently under discussion. The speaker opposes the integration methods proposed in the bill and suggests, as an alternative, organizing Ukrainian-language e-learning and in-person instruction with the help of Ukrainian teachers.
1 Speeches Analyzed