Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof

First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Amending the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act" (279 OE)

2024-04-03

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Political Position
The political stance is sharply polarized regarding the education of Ukrainian war refugees. One side stresses the necessity of ensuring the swift return of Ukrainians granted temporary protection, offering them Ukrainian-language instruction to prevent a demographic catastrophe in Ukraine. The opposing side, however, highlights the Estonian state's obligation to ensure compulsory education and integration into the Estonian-language education system, thereby avoiding the creation of parallel systems. These viewpoints are strongly value-based, centering on questions of the nation-state and integration.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate knowledge of education legislation, particularly concerning the regulations for fulfilling compulsory schooling and the transition to Estonian-language instruction. Specific data is utilized (e.g., 18,445 minor war refugees), and reference is made to the positions held by the Chancellor of Justice and the Ministry of Education and Research. Experts stress that virtual learning in a Ukrainian school does not satisfy the compulsory schooling requirement mandated by Estonian law.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly formal and analytical, focusing on the impacts and legal aspects of the draft bill, particularly when reporting on the committee discussion. Both logical arguments (such as the targeted allocation of resources and the additional workload for teachers) and strong emotional appeals are employed, describing the current situation for Ukrainian children as "inhumane" or warning against "ghettoization."

7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity patterns point to intensive work in the Culture Committee, where the draft bill was discussed during three sessions (November 14, December 12, and March 12). However, there are also references to the obstruction of parliamentary work, as a massive number (200) of amendments have been submitted regarding the bill, which has significantly delayed the proceedings.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the initiators of the proposal, criticizing their desire to establish a separate Ukrainian-language education sector, which runs counter to the transition to Estonian-language instruction. The criticism is strong, labeling the proposal a "slippery slope" and the "opening of Pandora's box," which could set a precedent for other nationalities to demand education in their native language. The initiators are also criticized for their inability to select a single amendment.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The committee reached consensus on procedural decisions (sending the draft bill to the plenary session), but the substantive discussion is marked by strong ideological opposition. One speaker expressed hope that the EKRE faction would withdraw its 200 amendments, suggesting a lack of cooperation in the handling of the bill.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the Estonian education system) and the international consequences (the demographic situation in Ukraine). Regionally, it is emphasized that Ukrainians have been settled across Estonia, citing Tallinn, Tartu, and Kuressaare as examples, which complicates the establishment of centralized Ukrainian-language instruction.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the targeted use of public funds and resources in education. Concerns are raised that establishing Ukrainian-language schools using public money is beyond Estonia's capacity. It is also argued that educating all Ukrainian children within the Estonian school system is a waste of resources that will not yield the desired outcome.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the integration and psychological well-being of Ukrainian children. Emphasis is placed on the importance of Estonian language proficiency for functioning within society and communicating with peers, while warning against "ghettoization" and "segregation." It is also pointed out that there are other refugee groups in Estonia who might start demanding schools in their native languages.

7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on Draft Resolution 279 OE of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), which proposes amendments to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act. These amendments aim to allow Ukrainian children under temporary protection to receive instruction in the Ukrainian language. Also critical is the impact of the law and action plan governing the transition to Estonian-language education, which the sponsors of the draft resolution seek to delay through this temporary measure.

7 Speeches Analyzed