Session Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-04-03
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on supporting teachers and criticizing the government's inaction. While the draft bill is supported, the proposed gross salary supplement of 17 euros and the three-month delay in its implementation are considered state mockery and utterly shameful. The focus remains on the government's capacity to fulfill promises and resolve crises, highlighting that teachers' pay does not match their enormous workload.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the chronology of salary negotiations and the strike within the education sector, citing specific figures (the 8% promise, 1.7% implementation, 17 euros as a gross increase) and dates (the Vihula negotiations, January 1st, April 3rd). Furthermore, they are aware of the ongoing discussions concerning teacher workload, the career model, and working conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and emotional, employing words such as "mockery," "disgraceful," and "ridiculous" to characterize the government's actions. The appeals are aimed chiefly at injustice and the government's evasion of responsibility, accusing the government of inaction and shifting the blame onto local municipalities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity includes recalling the government's earlier promises and actions (the Vihula negotiations, the strike) and criticizing the delayed legislation (the April vote concerning what was agreed upon in January). The speaker is addressing the Riigikogu plenary session during the discussion of the draft bill, emphasizing delays and inefficiency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the government and the Ministry of Education and Research, who are accused of inaction, avoiding responsibility, and shifting the blame onto others (specifically the City of Tallinn or local municipalities). The criticism is intense and accusatory, labeling the government's conduct as shameful and ridiculous, particularly regarding the 17-euro salary increase.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is cautious; the draft bill is supported by the Centre Party faction in the interests of teachers, but this does not imply cooperation with the government, whose actions are deemed ridiculous. There is no openness to compromises, as the focus is on blaming the government and demanding that teachers be valued.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed at the issue of the salary supplement for Ida-Viru County teachers, which pertains to teaching in the Estonian language. The payment of this supplement was delayed by three months, similar to the general salary increase, due to the ministry needing time to compile the data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of valuing teachers' work through adequate compensation that reflects the immense workload they carry. There is support for public sector wage increases, as the current €17 gross supplement is deemed insufficient and the state's attitude toward educators is considered questionable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, education and the valuing of teachers are paramount. The speaker stresses the necessity of addressing issues related to teacher workload, career progression models, and working conditions in schools, kindergartens, and vocational institutions, demanding a more responsible approach from the state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting the teachers' salary increase bill, albeit with critical scrutiny. The broader priority is to ensure that the outcomes of the Ministry of Education and Research negotiations concerning workload and the career model are swiftly and properly codified into law, thereby preventing any further delays.
2 Speeches Analyzed