Agenda Profile: Urmas Kruuse
First reading of the Draft Act amending Section 27 of the Law on Preschool Institutions (319 SE)
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly emphasizes the importance of local government autonomy, calling into question the appropriateness of state intervention when determining kindergarten fees. The speaker demands specific data from the presenter in order to verify the claims regarding the high kindergarten fees in Tartu. The stance is heavily policy- and value-based, defending the local community's right to make decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the kindergarten fee system, particularly the discounts available for families with multiple children. They know precisely that the fee for the second child is 50% lower, and the third and fourth children attend free of charge if they are enrolled simultaneously. This specific knowledge is used to challenge general claims regarding high costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and challenging, focusing on direct questions and the demand for data (e.g., fees for the first, second, and third child). The speaker uses logical argumentation to emphasize the necessity of municipal autonomy due to inter-regional differences. The tone is fact-based and explanatory rather than emotional.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity are limited to two consecutive interventions during the legislative debate, consisting of a question posed to the speaker/rapporteur followed by a clarifying comment. This indicates active participation in the discussion, focusing immediately on the correction of inaccuracies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker challenges the presenter's assertions regarding the high cost of kindergarten fees in Tartu, demanding concrete data to substantiate those claims. Strong opposition is directed at state interference in the decision-making authority of the local municipality, which is viewed as restricting community autonomy. The criticism targets political meddling and the inaccurate presentation of facts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly aimed at Tartu city's kindergarten fees and the autonomy of local government. The speaker emphasizes that the situation in Tallinn does not apply a priori in Southern Estonia, which justifies the independence of local governments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic positions relate to local taxation and fiscal autonomy, supporting the right of local authorities to independently determine the size of fees. It is also stressed that the precise fee structures must be known before making any assessments regarding their high cost.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is family welfare and child planning, especially supporting those families who are planning a second, third, and fourth child. The speaker highlights existing benefits that alleviate the financial burden on families with multiple children.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (319 SE) proposing amendments to § 27 of the Preschool Institutions Act. The speaker is challenging the bill, calling into question the necessity and scope of legislative intervention within the context of local self-government autonomy.
2 Speeches Analyzed