Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other laws accordingly (establishing compulsory schooling) – Second Reading
2024-11-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The faction expresses strong opposition to the bill concerning the extension of compulsory education (447 SE), focusing on its inefficiency and the delegation of national problems to local governments. This stance is policy- and results-based, emphasizing insufficient funding and the emergence of the problem of unmotivated youth. It is proposed that the second reading of the bill be terminated.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise regarding amendments to the Education Act, the financing of local municipalities (KOV), and the administrative burden. Technical language is employed, referencing European Social Fund (ESF+) financing, inconsistencies within the explanatory memorandum, and the requirement for additional support specialists. The text highlights the absence of an impact assessment and the critical need for statistics broken down by individual local government units.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and critical, focusing on logical arguments and procedural deficiencies, such as the absence of an impact assessment. The tone is formal and concerned, warning of possible negative social consequences (unmotivated youth) and financial uncertainties. The argument appeals to facts and official documents (the explanatory memorandum, the position of ELVL).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the government and the Ministry of Education and Research, who are accused of solving national problems by shifting the burden onto local municipalities. The criticism is intense, focusing on the inadequate preparation of the draft bill, the lack of clarity in the financial analysis, and the ignoring of the position held by the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (ELVL).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Direct cooperation is not discussed, but in support of their position, they reference the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities’ (ELVL) opposition to the draft bill and the fact that it was not approved/coordinated. This indicates a readiness to rely on the viewpoints of local government representative organizations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, highlighting the increase in administrative burden, bureaucracy, and costs for local governments (LGs) without the state increasing the LGs' revenue base. The text mentions the need for investments in the school network, the hiring of additional specialists, and covering the public transport costs for children subject to compulsory education.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions stress the necessity of clear state funding, criticizing the ambiguity of the European Social Fund (ESF+) financing plan and its long-term sustainability. There is opposition to a scenario where the cost base for local authorities rises due to new responsibilities, while the state fails to increase their revenue base.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is education policy and the extension of compulsory schooling, where concern is being raised about the growing number of young people lacking motivation to learn and the serious consequences this entails. Emphasis is placed on the need to hire additional support specialists and social workers to engage with these young people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft bill (447 SE) to amend the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia, specifically regarding the extension of compulsory schooling. The faction is actively opposing the bill and proposes interrupting the second reading, citing inadequate financial and impact assessments.
1 Speeches Analyzed