Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)
2024-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is supportive of the bill (389 SE), but remains extremely critical of its content and timing. The most crucial issue is the inadequacy of the teachers' salary increase (17 euros is an insult) and the breaking of coalition agreement promises regarding 120% of the average wage. The faction supports the draft legislation, but frames the government's actions as a failure and a breach of promises. The political focus is directed towards evaluating the effectiveness of the government's performance in the education sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding salary statistics in the education sector, referencing specific figures such as 17 euros, a 1.7% increase, an average salary of 1904 euros, and the teachers' minimum salary of 1820 euros. The focus is on analyzing the ratio between the teachers' minimum salary and the average salary in order to prove that the goals set out in the coalition agreement have not been met. Furthermore, awareness of the teacher deficit and the lack of new recruits—identified as the Republic of Estonia's biggest problem—is also highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and emotional, employing strong language such as "ridicule and bullying" and referring to the pay increase as a "pittance." Logical arguments (salary data and percentages) are balanced by emotional appeals (the lack of appreciation for teachers and the loss of trust). The speaker is direct and accusatory, stressing that the government promised "sugar mountains" but is only delivering 17 euros.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) sessions, focusing on the ongoing legislative procedure (the second reading of Bill 389 SE). Direct reference is made to the no-confidence procedure against the Minister of Education that took place the previous day, indicating involvement with current political events.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the government and the Ministry of Education, who are being intensely criticized both for breaking political promises and for procedural delays. The criticism is rooted in both policy and procedure: the government reneged on its promise, triggered a strike, and has failed to ensure that teachers receive their funds on time. The government’s conduct toward teachers is being viewed as "ridicule and bullying."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is presenting the Centre Party faction's stance, supporting the bill in principle. However, there is no mention of cooperation or willingness to compromise with the coalition. The focus is solely on criticizing the government and highlighting its failures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national issues, such as the Estonian average wage, amendments to the state budget law, and the nationwide teacher shortage. There are no references to specific regions, local municipalities, or international topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of significantly increasing national expenditure on education and the compensation of the workforce (teachers). The speaker views the salary hike as a crucial investment required to address the teacher shortage and elevate the profession's prestige. The current small pay raise is criticized as inadequate and an unappreciated effort.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the education sector, highlighting the critical nature of the teacher shortage and the lack of appreciation for educators. The proposed solution involves boosting the prestige of the profession and implementing a substantial pay raise to ensure a steady pipeline of new recruits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the second reading of the draft Act amending the 2024 State Budget Act (Bill 389 SE). The speaker supports the bill but is using the proceedings as a platform to criticize the government for breaking its promises and for the failure of its education policy. The priority is raising teachers' salaries to the level promised in the coalition agreement (120% of the average wage).
2 Speeches Analyzed