Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)
2024-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
Being in opposition and highly critical of the coalition, it stresses the failure to deliver on promises concerning teachers' salaries and the government's inability to manage problem-solving. The focus is on assigning accountability, ensuring financial aid is directed properly, and demanding the money back if any misuse has occurred. This approach is heavily based on a performance and outcome-based assessment, concentrating on the quality of the government's work and the fulfillment of its pledges.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
It includes nuances regarding financial and training funds, mentions the utilization of earmarked money, the necessity for inquiries and subsequent monitoring, and provides specific examples (Tallinn teacher's salary, 2,418 euros; the promised salary increase of 17 euros; the 11-euro claim). It gives the impression of a thorough understanding of the public sector budget and school financing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A combative and accusatory tone; it combines emotional rhetoric (repeatedly stressing disappointment and failure) with data- and fact-based assertions; it uses repeated figures and questions like, "Why isn't this being done?" to generate controversy and draw attention to the topic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
At least two speeches/calls were made on the same topic on May 7, 2024; this refers to earlier activities (a strike, discussions over a period of four months) and an example taken from the Riigikogu chamber on Toompea; this demonstrates consistent attention to the issue of education funding during the same period.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Clearly oppositional; critical of the coalition and the government regarding both the search for culprits and the lack of solutions; emphasizes that the coalition is unable to prevent or resolve crises, and demands accountability and the reclaiming of funds.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Critical of the cooperation; it refers to the four months of discussions held between the coalition, the opposition, and other parties, but despite these, no effective solution is visible. It highlights that some parties (the Social Democrats and Eesti 200) saw potential for support, but the coalition has blocked it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The national focus is clearly a priority; it mentions the average teacher salary in Tallinn and the role of municipalities in ensuring the funds are used for their intended purpose, but the primary emphasis remains on nationwide funding issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Critical of the government's economic policy: criticizes the wasting of money and the improper use of earmarked funds; emphasizes that funds must be reclaimed if they have been misused; points out the negative impact of tax hikes, including the car tax, on teachers' incomes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focus on education, teacher well-being, and working conditions; addresses the problematic nature of teacher salaries as a critical social issue and the resulting strain of the employment workload on schools; emphasizes the importance of the rule of law and societal responsibility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
He/She votes on and specifically criticizes the second reading of Bill 389 SE; emphasizes the necessity of finding solutions and implementing subsequent oversight, as well as the option of demanding the return of funds. Speaking for the opposition, the speaker points out that the manner in which the bill was processed was inefficient and that corrective measures are required in cases of improper waste.
2 Speeches Analyzed