Session Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-05-06
Political Position
Accountability for education funding and management is under critical scrutiny; there is a desire for an efficient, results-oriented government and the actual fulfillment of promises. The current situation is viewed as critical, rather than merely concerning national policy direction, with the emphasis placed squarely on responsibility and outcomes. It underscores the necessity of finding solutions through dialogue with all parties involved and reviewing foundational statutes and legal amendments in collaboration with partners.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates knowledge of education policy and administration, referencing the need to amend the statutes and introduce legal and administrative changes. This also encompasses the skill to evaluate the context surrounding the departure of school leaders and the issue of teacher salaries in terms of strategic impact.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A critical and inquisitive tone, often involving direct questions aimed at the minister. It employs a strong emphasis on accountability and focuses on fact-based discussion, all while maintaining an official and formal style.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Posing a series of questions during the plenary session, the speaker refers back to the previous discussion while searching for answers. This reinforces the continued focus on issues within the education sector (namely, the resignation of school principals and the fulfillment of promised teacher salaries) and emphasizes the need for rigorous scrutiny of the government's activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Critical of the government and the minister’s policies: accuses them of avoiding responsibility and failing to fulfill their promises; stresses the necessity of faster, evidence-based solutions. Seeks to increase accountability and draw attention to the interests of schools and teachers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes cooperation with the parties involved and the importance of dialogue (cooperation with various parties, reviewing the statutes/bylaws with the committee chairman). At the same time, it allows for critical dialogue and demands answers, which suggests an approach that is cooperation-based yet focused on results.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
At the state level, but it highlights regional examples: the potential departure of school principals in Ida-Viru County, and regional contexts such as Lüganuse and Maardu. These draw attention to both the national and regional context.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A critical attitude is expressed regarding the government's economic performance in the education sector; it highlights that the coalition's promised salary increase to 120% of the Estonian average has not been fulfilled. While supporting the increase of teachers' salaries in line with the commitments, it is emphasized that the government has failed to find a solution, which stems from issues of efficiency and management.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Education as a central social theme: a high-quality school system, teachers' working conditions, and the accountability of school leaders. It indicates that social stability relies on the performance of schools, as well as the satisfaction and remuneration of teachers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on amending the statutes and reviewing legal and administrative changes; it emphasizes the need for cooperation among committees and the involvement of stakeholders, and consequently, the readiness to continue the discussion of constitutional and legislative amendments. It also mentions potential progress in the adoption of decisions within the Riigikogu (Parliament).
3 Speeches Analyzed