Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller

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 political position is strongly focused on securing funding for veterinary education and ensuring food security, emphasizing the critical shortfall of 2 million euros. He sharply criticizes the government's inaction and its policy of governing "by Excel spreadsheet," which ignores the needs of the rural sector. He also opposes the current "green madness" and the notion that living in the countryside is environmentally harmful, directly linking rural life to national security.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise regarding the funding of veterinary education, the level of agricultural self-sufficiency, and the impact of the European Union’s green policy. They use specific financial figures (2 million, 300,000–400,000 euros) and refer to accreditation periods (2025). Furthermore, they present comparative data on the use of plant protection products and fertilizers in Estonia compared to the EU average.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and highly detailed, employing powerful and provocative phrases such as "pocket change" and "green madness." They combine logical arguments (financial shortages, security concerns) with an emotional condemnation of the government's inaction. The tone is formal, yet it conveys significant concern and urgency.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively raises critical national issues, often referencing their previous ministerial experience and repeated proposals (such as VAT reduction). They are aware of the name changes affecting institutions within the sector and actively support the continuing education initiative at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. However, specific rhythmic patterns of activity (e.g., weekly public appearances) are not evident from their speeches.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled at the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Research, which is accused of showing a complete lack of interest in veterinary studies. He criticizes a style of governance that is excessively focused on Excel spreadsheets while ignoring the critical needs of food security and rural communities. Furthermore, he takes issue with the stance of a ruling party member who deems living in the countryside detrimental to the environment.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is willing to cooperate with the sector (the Chamber of Veterinarians, the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences) and thanks the Rural Affairs Committee for bringing this important question to the floor. He/She expresses full agreement with the sector's concerns regarding the future generation of professionals. He/She supports the Estonian University of Life Sciences’ initiatives regarding further training aimed at bringing people who have left the profession back into the workforce.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on rural life, agriculture, and the importance of low-density settlement, directly linking rural regions to the security and national defense of the Estonian state. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of raising Estonia's self-sufficiency levels in several food categories (beef, pork, potatoes, and vegetables). Specific Estonian University of Life Sciences educational facilities are also mentioned (Kreutzwaldi 62, Märja experimental base).

4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook calls for increased state investment to support veterinary medicine and agriculture, with the missing 2 million euros being dismissed as mere "pocket change." He has repeatedly proposed lowering the VAT on food products and vegetables to improve consumer accessibility. He criticizes the administration for prioritizing the demands of an Excel spreadsheet over the actual development of the sector.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the speaker focuses on education and the work ethic of young people, criticizing the trend of aspiring to become influencers and the notion that food comes from the store and money from the ATM. He emphasizes the need to introduce young people to practical work environments in rural life and veterinary medicine before they enter university.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is centered on securing additional funding to continue veterinary studies and meet the 2025 accreditation requirements. Furthermore, priorities include reducing the VAT on food products and guaranteeing the quality of specialists within the agricultural advisory system, as listed by the Rural Development Knowledge Centre.

4 Speeches Analyzed