By Agendas: Heljo Pikhof

Total Agendas: 44

Fully Profiled: 44

All Categories Political Position Topic Expertise Rhetorical Style Activity Patterns Opposition Stance Collaboration Style Regional Focus Economic Views Social Issues Legislative Focus
2025-10-06
Interpellation concerning the transfer of Swedish criminals to Estonia (No. 803)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in internal security, pointing out the number of vacant positions in the PPA (nearly 200) and the issue of labor competition among agencies (PPA, prison service, MTA). The text stresses the necessity of consulting with the Ministry of the Interior, the PPA, and the Estonian Internal Security Service, and refers to the critical evaluations made by their leaders concerning the strain on the system.
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2025-09-24
The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the connections between regional policy and digital infrastructure, directly linking the role of high-speed internet to ensuring economic vitality (businesses, jobs). They demonstrate awareness of jurisdictional boundaries but emphasize the topic's crucial regional policy significance.
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2025-09-22
Inquiry Regarding the Bringing of Swedish Prisoners to Estonia (No. 792)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates competence in the internal security sector, concentrating on issues concerning personnel resources and labor market competition. They cite specific facts, including the hundreds of vacant posts within the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and the competition for staff among the PPA, the Prison Service, and the Tax and Customs Board. Furthermore, they emphasize the opposing viewpoints held by the PPA Director General and the Prefect of Southern Estonia compared to those of the government.
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2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding educational inequality (no. 795)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in education policy and socio-economic factors, referencing studies by the Foresight Centre and PISA test results. Technical terms are used, such as "differentiated funding" and "background equalization mechanisms." This expertise is further supported by citing international examples (the Nordic countries, Canada, Ireland) as effective solutions.
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2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the internal processes of library science, especially concerning the continuing education system for librarians and the role of county libraries in that system. Specific terminology is employed, such as "training courses," "seminars," "information sessions," and "county libraries," showing a clear awareness of how the field operates.
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2025-09-15
An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the legislative process, specifically focusing on the delay in adopting the Arms Act. Their expertise is evident in their ability to identify a specific legislative bottleneck and the corresponding question of accountability.
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2025-09-11
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (636 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of work and rest time regulations in Europe, highlighting statistics on the number of public holidays and annual working hours within the EU. To support the argument, studies from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions are cited, along with the previous positions on economic impact held by Risto Kaarna, Lead Analyst of the Fiscal Policy Department at the Ministry of Finance. It is specifically emphasized that a correlation exists between shorter working hours, work productivity, and employee satisfaction.
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2025-09-08
Inquiry regarding regulations concerning end-of-life issues (no. 766)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates strong historical and substantive expertise in the field of bioethics. They reference their previous membership in the Estonian Council of Bioethics and Human Research, as well as organizing a conference attended by renowned doctors and experts. This background grants them the authority to criticize the prolonged handling of the issue.
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2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker demonstrates competence in legislative procedures and committee operations, presenting bills on behalf of the Culture and Legal Committee. They substantiate their socio-political proposals using concrete data (a cost of 66 million euros for eliminating kindergarten tuition fees) and references to international practice (the Nordic countries, Canada, and Ireland regarding education; European nations concerning public holidays).
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2025-06-18
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a Proposal to the Government of the Republic" (630 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates awareness of specific forms of fraud, naming phishing calls, identity theft, and romance scams. Their expertise is largely based on personal cases, as it is mentioned that over 10 fraud victims have reached out to them. They are also aware of the social consequences of these scams, such as damage to mental health and the need for social benefits.
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2025-06-18
Third reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topic of social policy and education funding, focusing specifically on the abolition of kindergarten place fees and the calculation of associated fixed costs. This expertise is supported by a direct citation from the Reform Party’s 2023 Riigikogu election program, used to prove the programmatic commitment of the opposing party.
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2025-06-18
Draft law amending the Basic Education and Upper Secondary Education Act and the Vocational Education Institutions Act (director certification and teacher career model) (653 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in education policy and school funding, focusing specifically on the impact of socio-economic background on educational outcomes. Technical terminology is employed (differentiation of funding, socio-economic background), and references are made to studies conducted by the Foresight Centre (Arenguseire Keskus) and to international practices (the Nordic countries, Canada, Ireland).
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2025-06-18
Continuation of the first reading of the draft law on the sharing of credit information (652 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the financial and legal sectors, citing their previous work in 2022 as the chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee and their organization of a public hearing concerning the quick loan market. Specific data is utilized regarding the increase in the number of debtors (from 72,000 to 100,000) and average debt amounts, based on a University of Tartu study commissioned by the Ministry of Finance. This professional knowledge also encompasses the historical context of earlier regulations (e.g., the 2015 Act).
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2025-06-12
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakostale, submitted by 42 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding internal security personnel and labor market issues, highlighting the fierce competition among the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), the prison service, and the Tax and Customs Board (MTA). Specific figures are cited (200 missing police officers, hundreds of unfilled posts), and differences in prison maintenance costs are referenced (12 million vs. 20 million). Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about inmate healthcare and the necessity of specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists), referencing Swedish practices.
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2025-06-11
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the funding of early childhood education and regional inequality, highlighting specific figures for attendance fees (e.g., 81 euros in Tartu, 170 euros in Rae municipality) and the funding source (22 million euros) proposed by the Social Democrats. The discussion also covers linking kindergarten attendance fees to the minimum wage and the potential migration of children seeking early education between local governments. Technical terms such as "educational stratification" and "early education migration" are used.
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2025-06-10
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (609 SE) - second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in competition law, the requirements for transposing European Union directives (equivalence and effectiveness), and procedural models (parallel proceedings). Specific legal terminology is used to question the draft bill's compliance with EU law. This expertise is utilized to highlight the technical and legal inadequacy of the draft bill.
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2025-06-05
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (616 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

This expert analysis addresses traffic and public space safety, specifically focusing on the real dangers posed by light mobility devices on sidewalks. The findings are based on observations of social problems and behavioral patterns, highlighting reckless driving under the influence and the resulting risk to children. No data or technical terminology is used; the emphasis is placed entirely on the practical danger.
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2025-05-21
Forestry

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge in the fields of forestry, property law, and taxation, utilizing specific terminology such as strict conservation zone, restricted zone, and the ban on clear felling. They highlight concrete economic consequences, for example, the property's market price dropping by a factor of ten, and the income taxation of compensations. The expertise focuses on the direct financial impact of state regulations on landowners.
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2025-05-20
Inquiry Regarding Electrical Power Generation Capacities (No. 746)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of energy policy and planning, utilizing specific terminology such as "development plans" and "production capacities." This expertise focuses on the procedural and legal mechanisms required to accelerate the energy sector.
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2025-05-19
Inquiry Regarding Estonian Environmental Policy (No. 743)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in forestry policy, using specific terminology such as "rotation age" and "commercial forests." He presents a specific quantitative claim (70% of forests being converted into tree plantations), which points to detailed knowledge of the government's plans and their consequences.
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2025-05-19
An inquiry regarding the illegal alteration of the order of protection of natural objects (no. 738)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker demonstrates specific awareness of land use regulations, referencing a concrete 70% and 30% ratio. The assessment focuses on the practical consequences and compensation mechanisms associated with nature conservation and the conversion of land ownership (from forest to agricultural field). Technical terms are employed, such as "conservation land" or "protected area land," along with specific area units (50 hectares).
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2025-05-07
Draft law amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (519 SE) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social security and labor market measures, clearly distinguishing between unemployment allowance, unemployment insurance benefit, and subsistence benefit. Emphasis is placed on the expected demographic impact of the draft bill (thousands of people) and the growing need for subsistence benefit.
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2025-05-05
Inquiry Regarding the Coping of Pensioners (No. 726)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

Both speakers demonstrate expertise in social policy and the pension system. The second speaker's knowledge of the legislative history of pension indexation is particularly strong, as evidenced by their reference to their role as the chairman of the Social Affairs Committee in 2007. The first speaker is well-versed in the Reform Party's specific policy proposals concerning elderly care.
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2025-03-19
State Defence

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of national defense, referring to specific problems such as delays with crucial procurements. Expertise is emphasized by highlighting the authority of General Herem and Kusti Salm, a long-time defense expert, in contrast to career politicians.
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2025-02-26
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of science and innovation policy, delving into the specifics of funding mechanisms (such as the 1% GDP requirement and the 85% budget guarantee) and academic autonomy. They employ technical terminology (evaluation criteria, operational funding) and specifically cite the positions held by several universities and research institutions (for instance, the Academy of Sciences, TLÜ, and TalTech).
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2025-02-10
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to carry out an analysis of the impact of young people’s social media use" (550 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

Politicians demonstrated knowledge of international regulations and cited specific studies (OECD 2024, WHO 2023, Human Development Report 2023). Lauri Laats presented detailed statistical data from a private sector study concerning the times young people use smart devices at home. Tõnis Lukas emphasized the need for a comprehensive analysis, as current research is fragmented.
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2025-01-15
Draft law amending the Adult Education Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (465 SE) – third reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates deep subject matter expertise in adult education legislation, utilizing precise terminology such as micro-qualification, micro-degree, and ECTS (credit points). He/She explains in detail the quality requirements (operational licensing, quality assessment) and distinguishes between a micro-degree and a micro-qualification. This expertise is further supported by specific examples drawn from the construction sector (e.g., BIM technology, energy efficiency).
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2024-12-04
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other related laws (establishing the obligation to attend school) – third reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of education policy, particularly concerning school dropout statistics and the flexibility of vocational education. Specific data on youth dropout is utilized (e.g., 550–650 young people annually), along with technical terms such as "buffer year," "preparatory learning," and "learning snacks." Emphasis is placed on the process of developing new curricula and integrating non-formal education with formal education.
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2024-11-21
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other laws accordingly (establishing compulsory schooling) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of educational legislation, particularly regarding the extension of compulsory education and the associated support systems. A detailed overview of the draft bill's legislative process is presented, including the concerns raised by specific interest groups (e.g., the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities, the Cooperation Chamber of Teachers' Associations) and the responses provided by the Ministry of Education and Research. Furthermore, they are competent in explaining the restrictions on the re-use of free tuition in vocational and higher education.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates proficiency in legislative procedures and the constitutional framework, emphasizing the mandatory requirement for impact analysis, comparative analysis (arguments for and against), and security risk analysis. He/She poses detailed questions regarding the content of the explanatory memorandum and the selection of comparison countries (demanding seven instead of three).
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional law and international relations, focusing on the impact of the list of countries on defining Estonia's value space and its international credibility. He/She uses examples from Japan and Australia to illustrate the list's inadequacy.
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2024-11-11
Draft law amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation (459 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Social Affairs Committee's previous discussions, particularly concerning the termination of pregnancy for minors and the issue of parental consent. They reference institutional memory, recalling specific "curious cases" that doctors had explained, which indicates a profound grasp of the policy and its consequences.
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2024-09-16
2024 Report by the Minister of the Interior on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.

The speaker demonstrates awareness of current construction trends, noting the rapid proliferation of new housing and the reduction of underground spaces (garages, basements). This expertise addresses the link between building standards and potential sheltering options, highlighting the deficiencies of contemporary architecture concerning safety and security.
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2024-06-13
First Reading of the Draft Bill (447 SE) for the Act on the Amendment of the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and Related Acts (Establishment of Study Obligation)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.

Deep expertise is demonstrated in educational management and finance, providing detailed data on the development of new curricula (18 new curricula nearing completion), dropout statistics (20% annually in vocational education), and budget forecasts (5.5 million euros in available funds). Technical terms such as SAIS, OSKA, HEV-youth, and credit point accounting are used, which indicates systematic knowledge of education sector regulations.
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2024-06-03
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (409 OE) of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Implement Effective Measures to Protect Minors from Exposure to Pornography"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.

Demonstrates a thorough level of knowledge regarding the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) and its implementation, referencing specific articles and European Court of Justice rulings. Provides detailed explanations concerning the regulation of cross-border platforms, mechanisms for penalty payments, and the development of age verification measures (EU Wallet). Relies heavily on the views of experts from the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
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2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speakers demonstrate detailed knowledge of the provisions of the Basic Education Act, including the integration of childcare into the education system and qualification requirements. Their expertise is particularly strong in the field of supporting early development, emphasizing the need for mandatory assessment by special education teachers and speech therapists, and challenging the exceptions included in the draft bill. Specific data is used concerning kindergarten teachers' salary support (15–16 million euros) and the minimum salary (90% of a school teacher's salary).
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2024-05-07
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (410 OE) of the Riigikogu titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Find a Solution for the Construction of an Extension to the National Opera Estonia"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the infrastructure and technical shortcomings of music theater, detailing specific problems concerning acoustics (lack of reverberation), visibility, and the dimensions of the stage complex. This knowledge is based on a quote from the General Director of the Estonian National Opera and specific references to the impossibility of performing repertoire (e.g., "Swan Lake"). It is emphasized that the current hall was designed with the needs of drama theater in mind, not for music theater.
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2024-04-16
The Minister of Culture's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of the "Estonian Sports Policy Fundamentals until 2030")

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speakers demonstrate a profound knowledge of the budget history of the Ministry of Culture and the salary statistics for cultural workers, highlighting specific figures and time periods (e.g., 3.84% in 2002 versus 1% in 2022). Professional competence is also evident in their familiarity with social protection mechanisms (creative worker remuneration, rolling health insurance) and the Film Estonia reimbursement system. Authoritative quotes (Mart Kalm) are utilized to underscore the importance of regional cultural buildings.
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2024-04-03
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)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

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.
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2024-03-20
Third Reading of the Draft Act (338 SE) on Amendments to the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Cultural Endowment's funding schemes and the complex issues surrounding social security for creative professionals, clearly distinguishing between a scholarship, a creative work grant, and creative work remuneration. This expertise is substantiated by referencing the 2021 study by the Praxis Think Tank, "The Livelihood and Social Guarantees of Freelance Creative Individuals." Technical terms like the contract for services, social tax, and unemployment insurance premium are utilized, with the speaker explaining their impact on net income.
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2024-02-21
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Estonian Public Broadcasting Act (165 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu's procedural procedures and committee decisions, acting as the representative of the lead committee. The substantive expertise focuses on the Media Services Act, ERR Council regulations, and studies concerning political balance, drawing upon the detailed presentation provided by the representative of the Ministry of Culture.
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2024-02-21
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act (338 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

Demonstrates profound expertise regarding the funding schemes of the Cultural Endowment, the collection and distribution of gambling tax revenue, utilizing precise percentages (3.8% and 2%) and financial forecasts. They are well-versed in social security regulations (specifically contracts of mandate and the minimum social tax obligation) and healthcare statistics, highlighting the problem of 5% of residents lacking health insurance coverage. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge concerning the legislative drafting process and stakeholder feedback.
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2024-01-24
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Language Act (161 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The text demonstrates thorough knowledge of the legislative procedure, including the proceedings of committee meetings, the adoption of decisions, and the comparison of draft legislation (1 SE vs 161 SE). Specific terminology is utilized, such as "fine rates," "disproportionate," and reference is made to the ministry's analysis and the positions of experts from the Language Policy Department.
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2024-01-18
Debate on the National Issue of Crucial Importance: "Strong Rural Schools and a Strong School Network"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in education policy, the reorganization of the school network, and funding models. They rely on research conducted by the Foresight Centre, PISA results, and present detailed statistical data (such as income disparities across different schools, 6% of GDP allocated to education). The influence of socio-economic background on learning outcomes is discussed in particular depth, citing examples of international solutions (Oslo, Barcelona).
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