Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the issue of educators' salaries and the sharp criticism directed at the government's actions. The speaker supports the draft bill (389 SE), arguing that any pay increase is vital for teachers, but deems the 17-euro gross increase offered by the government to be ridiculous and insulting. The central narrative revolves around the government's incompetence, its failure to keep promises, and its inability to value teachers. The political stance is strongly supportive of the teachers' demands and vehemently opposed to the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the history and specifics of teachers' salary negotiations, citing the Vihula meeting, the promised 8% increase versus the actual 1.7% hike, and the 17-euro supplement. They are also fully aware of the delays in the law’s enactment (from January to April) and the three-month waiting period for salary supplements for teachers in Ida-Virumaa. Their expertise is focused on the chronology of funding and working conditions crises within the education sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharply critical and emotional, accusing the government of shameful conduct and failing to acknowledge its unfulfilled obligations. Strong evaluative terms are used, such as "as mockery," "shameful," and "ridiculous," to highlight the utter inappropriateness of the government’s attitude toward teachers. The appeal targets both logic (a comparison of promises versus reality) and emotion (the teachers’ workload and their perceived value).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government, which is sharply criticized for breaking promises, devaluing teachers, and failing to acknowledge work that has been left undone. The criticism is intense and accusatory, focusing on the government's procedural errors (delays) and political blunders (a laughable pay rise). The government's strategy of blaming others for the strike and salary problems—such as the City of Tallinn or local municipalities—is particularly deplored.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The faction represented by the speaker supports Bill 389 SE during its first reading, although this is done with significant criticism, indicating reluctant but necessary support. Cross-Riigikogu cooperation is not mentioned, but reference is made to ongoing negotiations between the Ministry of Education and Research and organizations representing teachers concerning workload and the career model.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on the national education system and teachers in schools, kindergartens, and vocational schools across Estonia. Separate emphasis is placed on the situation of teachers in Ida-Virumaa, who received the promised salary supplement for Estonian-language instruction after a three-month delay.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on valuing the public sector workforce, demanding that teachers’ salaries correspond to their insane workload. Support is given for directing state budget funds toward salary increases, criticizing the current 17-euro supplement as economically inadequate and frankly unworthy of the state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue revolves around education, particularly teachers' working conditions, workload, and recognition. It is stressed that the state, represented by the government, must be able to appreciate the valuable work teachers do and ensure they receive a decent wage. The consequences of the strike as a form of social protest are also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft law amending the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE). Support for this bill is deemed necessary, despite it being under heavy criticism. Another significant priority involves the outcomes of negotiations between the Ministry of Education and Research and teachers concerning teacher workload, the career model, and working conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed