Agenda Profile: Urmas Kruuse
Discussion of the Crucial National Issue: "How to Ensure the Future of Veterinary Medicine"
2024-04-11
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The central priority is resolving the veterinary crisis, which is being addressed as an issue of national security (food security) and public health. The political position is firmly geared toward increasing state intervention and funding to ensure the sustainability of the profession. Emphasis is placed on the need for a comprehensive and systemic solution, not merely financial aid, and there is support for increasing state-commissioned enrollment rather than relying on tuition-based education.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrated a profound knowledge of the history of veterinary medicine (dating back to the beginning of 1848, marking the 175th anniversary) and the current state of affairs. Specific data was presented regarding the number of students, the total number of graduates (16), the low average salary (€1770), and the funding allocated to studies (over €300,000 in supplementary support). Furthermore, reference was made to professions regulated by the European Union and the high stress levels experienced by veterinarians, drawing a comparison with human medical doctors.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is formal, factual, and concerned, emphasizing the urgency and danger of the topic for the state. Both historical appeals (a reference to a 1926 book) and logical arguments and statistics are utilized. The speaker poses many rhetorical questions to guide the audience toward an in-depth analysis of the problem and an awareness of their responsibility.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member or representative of the Rural Affairs Committee, who has organized discussions and meetings (e.g., visiting the animal clinic at the Estonian University of Life Sciences). He/She has initiated a debate in the Riigikogu on a national issue of significant importance to raise awareness of the problem and find practical solutions.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A direct political opponent is not being criticized; instead, the criticism is primarily directed at the societal attitude that fails to recognize the importance of veterinary medicine, and at the low salary levels within the ministries. Indirectly, the funding principles of the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM) are criticized for not ensuring sufficient funding per study place.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A strong need for cooperation with the parliament, the government, social partners, entrepreneurs, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences is emphasized. The speaker thanks the sector representatives for initiating the discussion and hopes that a concentration of ideas will emerge for future work. He/She notes that previous ministers of rural affairs have secured additional funding.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is at the national level (the future of the Estonian veterinary sector), but examples are also drawn from the international context (Finnish students who don't stay in Estonia to work) and historical regional success stories (the Saaremaa export slaughterhouse). Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining international education for the sake of science and competitiveness.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The high cost of education (19,000 euros per student place), the intense competition within the agricultural sector, and the economic deficit (70 million euros, including subsidies) are acknowledged. The speaker opposes expanding fee-based tuition in veterinary medicine, preferring instead an increase in state-commissioned places, and emphasizes that salaries have fallen behind the times.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker directly links veterinary medicine to public health, food security, and animal welfare, noting the continuous growth in the number of pets. A significant social topic is the mental health and stress of veterinarians, which, according to studies, is higher than that experienced by human doctors.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on initiating a discussion regarding a nationally significant issue in order to generate pressure and raise awareness of the problem. A practical and rapid solution is seen as fast-tracking the placement of unemployed but qualified individuals into practical training, in cooperation with the ministry and the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Furthermore, the need is emphasized to thoroughly debate the issues of funding with the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM) and the closure of other specializations.
10 Speeches Analyzed