Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Third Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, criticizing the government's activities in the education sector. The speaker deems the 17-euro salary increase ridiculous and overdue, stressing the necessity of resolving the teacher deficit and restoring confidence. The focus centers on the government’s failure to fulfill its duties and promises, indicating a performance-based critique.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding education funding and salary structure, clearly distinguishing between the increase in the minimum salary rate and the unreliability of the differentiation fund. Specific data is utilized (e.g., 17 euros gross, 20% differentiation component), and reference is made to the need for a career model and a collective agreement. He/She explains how the differentiation fund fails to guarantee that the money reaches every teacher.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and insistent, employing emotional judgments (e.g., the sum is "ridiculous," "hopeless"). The speaker focuses on logical arguments concerning the government's inaction and broken promises, while warning of a possible strike in the autumn. He addresses the listeners and viewers directly, emphasizing the lost hope of the teachers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to having repeatedly addressed the topic from the podium (stating, "I have already spoken several times at this podium") and mentions a previous motion of no confidence against the Minister of Education. This indicates active and consistent involvement in the education debate within the Riigikogu. He/She is closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations involving school principals and local municipalities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Ministry of Education and Research and Minister Kristina Kallas, who, in the speaker's estimation, lacks a concrete plan for solving the teacher shortage. The criticism is policy- and results-based, accusing the state of shifting responsibility onto local municipalities. The intensity of the attack is high, referencing the minister's continuation in office despite the accumulation of problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker notes that negotiations with local governments (the Association of Cities and Rural Municipalities) have broken down because the LGs deemed them hopeless. He stresses the necessity of a collective agreement and negotiations with organizations representing teachers in order to improve the situation. He criticizes the state for failing to fulfill its duties in cooperation with local municipalities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (plans by the Ministry of Education, changes to the state budget), but the role and responsibility of local municipalities in paying teachers' salaries are also highlighted. The criticism relates to the state shifting responsibility onto local governments for the execution of national duties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for increased public expenditure in the education sector to guarantee teachers a decent salary and improve their working conditions. He criticizes the current fiscal approach as insufficient and unreliable, particularly regarding the differentiation fund, which does not ensure that the allocated money reaches every teacher. The core focus of these views is the fair remuneration of the workforce (teachers).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the education crisis, which is characterized by a severe teacher shortage and a weak recruitment pipeline for new talent. Solutions emphasized include boosting the prestige of the teaching profession, improving working conditions, establishing a career model, and ensuring proper compensation. This is framed as a pressing societal problem requiring immediate resolution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is critical of the bill (389 SE) currently under consideration because it only provides a retroactive gross payment of 17 euros and fails to address systemic issues. His/Her legislative focus is on compelling the government to establish a career progression model, a collective bargaining agreement, and a comprehensive plan for improving teachers’ salaries and working conditions. He/She views the bill as merely settling old debts rather than representing a step forward.
2 Speeches Analyzed