Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Inquiry Regarding Teacher Salaries (No. 778)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government's actions regarding teachers' salaries and the funding of school meals. A resolute and significant increase in the minimum teacher salary is demanded to address the acute shortage of teachers. It is emphasized that the promises made in the coalition agreement (120% of the Estonian average wage) must be taken seriously. The focus remains on evaluating the government's performance and the fulfillment of its promises.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of education sector funding, citing concrete salary figures (€1820 gross minimum wage, €1600 for cultural workers) and historical facts. They specifically point out that the state contribution to school meals (1 euro per day) has remained unchanged since 2018. Furthermore, specific policy measures are referenced, such as the differentiation fund and the proposals put forward by the Education Employees Union.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, demanding, and concerned, highlighting the gravity and urgency of the situation (the looming threat of a teachers' strike). It utilizes both logical arguments (such as the connection between salary and the pipeline of new talent) and emotional appeals (the idea that teachers should be working, not striking). The tone is formal and direct, addressing the minister with pointed questions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active submitter of inquiries, consistently addressing topics within the social and education sectors. It is mentioned that this current inquiry regarding teachers' salaries follows a previous inquiry on the topic of school meal funding.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the Ministry of Education and Research, who face criticism for failing to deliver on promises and for providing inadequate salary increases. The criticism is based on both policy and outcomes, specifically highlighting the government-imposed increases in income tax and VAT, which delivered a "double blow" to teachers' earnings.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national, emphasizing that any increase in teachers' salaries must be nationwide. At the same time, the issue of regional inequality is being raised, citing the higher salaries of teachers in Ida-Virumaa due to specific pay coefficients as an example, and demanding equivalent pay across all regions of Estonia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports increasing the state's contribution to education and the social sector (teachers' salaries, school meals). It criticizes the government’s fiscal policy, which has resulted in tax hikes, and demands the judicious use of state budget funds for salary increases, calling this a "wise act."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on education and social justice issues, viewing fair teacher compensation and healthy school meals for children as critical national priorities. It is stressed that the teacher shortage is directly tied to inadequate pay, a situation that is simply untenable.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on budget negotiations to ensure a significant increase in the minimum teacher salary starting January 1, 2026. There is a demand for the fulfillment of the objectives set out in the coalition agreement and the allocation of the 22% differentiation fund proposed by the Education Employees Union.
6 Speeches Analyzed