Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Inquiry Regarding the Closure of Rural Schools (No. 406)
2024-01-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
He emphasizes the state's role in financing teacher salary increases and ensuring the provision of education. He notes that it is harder for smaller municipalities to cope with the salary increases and stresses that this is the responsibility of the state. He expresses concern about the upcoming strike and calls for continued joint negotiations to resolve the situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates knowledge regarding the teacher shortage, disparities in local government funding, and the risks associated with closing rural schools. It points out that raising salaries is the state's responsibility and employs terminology such as 'salary increase,' 'local governments,' and 'national funding.' It also references the intention to strike and the activities of the education workers' union.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A formal and respectful tone, directed at the presiding officer of the session and the minister. It utilizes the form of a question and combines factual information with concern regarding the prevention of a strike, emphasizing the necessity of finding solutions. While it enhances the emotional impact, it is primarily focused on arguments and designed to find solutions to problems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech references the ongoing discussion and the upcoming strike (January 22). It mentions the education workers' union press conference and asks what steps will be taken in the next phase. Emphasis is placed on joint negotiation tables and continuing talks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He avoids naming a specific political opponent but remains critical of the proposed solutions for closing rural schools, stressing the state's responsibility for funding salary increases. This stance is critical of the mechanism used for closing schools and demands national funding, rather than continuously burdening local budgets. He stresses the necessity of continuing collective bargaining negotiations, rather than resorting to confrontation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Shows a willingness to cooperate and prefers to continue negotiations. The question, "will you still sit together at the negotiation table," demonstrates that they seek solutions within the partnership. They emphasize the importance of cooperation and dialogue for avoiding a strike.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the regional level: specifically, the effect that increased funding for small local governments and rising teacher salaries have on rural schools. It highlights the disparities between municipalities and connects the sustainability of both students and schools to the regional context.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports national funding for teachers’ salary increases, noting that the issue of raising salaries is a state responsibility. It points to the disparities among local municipalities and the necessity of coordinating the budget while considering regional financial capacities. It opposes the pressure to absorb local costs if doing so compromises the long-term sustainability of schools.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on education and teachers' working conditions, emphasizing the stability of schools and the accessibility of education. It maintains that strengthening the education system and guaranteeing teachers' salaries are socially crucial issues, and that the strike poses a risk to students' well-being.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It stresses the organization of negotiations and the securing of state funding as key priorities, but makes no reference to specific legislative initiatives. It then raises the question of what steps will be taken next time to prevent a strike, and how the state and local local governments will act jointly.
1 Speeches Analyzed