By Plenary Sessions: Vadim Belobrovtsev

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the financial mechanisms within the education sector, particularly concerning the teachers' minimum salary rate, the operation of the differentiation fund, and the calculation of the estimated average wage. Furthermore, they are familiar with the funding schemes of sports organizations (such as the School Sports Union and Jõud) and the repercussions of ministry decisions, citing specific news reports and examples.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of state budget processes, including the drafting of the supplementary budget and the deadlines for the salary freeze (until 2027). The professional focus is on the tax system, particularly the impact of the tax hump and the principles of progressive income tax. He/She uses specific financial figures, referencing a potential saving of half a billion euros.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy and its historical context, referencing the rationale behind the previous abolition of tax-free pensions and the subsequent introduction of the tax hump. Specific financial data is utilized, such as the 550 million euro cost associated with eliminating the tax hump, citing estimates provided by the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, knowledge of the current economic climate is highlighted, mentioning the ongoing third year of economic recession and high inflation.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social security, clearly distinguishing between unemployment insurance benefit, unemployment allowance, and subsistence benefit. Specific budget figures are cited regarding savings (50–60 million euros annually), and the reform timeline (July of next year) is referenced. The expertise focuses on the areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa).

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the connections between pension policy and the budget, tackling specific issues like pension indexation and the exemption of the average pension from income tax. The use of concrete numbers and dates (2027, 1000 euros) indicates a strong grasp of detail and the ability to link these topics directly to budget planning (the next year's budget).

The speaker demonstrates expertise in municipal education management, highlighting specific issues such as the scarcity of kindergarten spots in Tallinn, the lengthy waitlists (requiring registration at birth), and the overcrowding of kindergartens in the Kesklinn (City Centre) district. Detailed questions are raised concerning infrastructure and financing.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and integration studies, referencing the positions held by the Chancellor of Justice and the findings of the eighth integration monitoring survey. Furthermore, technical details concerning the motor insurance sector are discussed, specifically citing the risk of stationary electric vehicles catching fire.

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in the analysis of macroeconomics and international financial institutions, referencing the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Specific statistical data is utilized (GDP indicators, inflation), along with technical terms such as export market share, external competitiveness, and real exchange rate appreciation. This expertise is focused on analyzing the deep causes of the economic recession, rather than just cyclical factors.

The speaker demonstrates competence in the field of cultural heritage and planning law, citing the restrictions imposed by the National Heritage Board and the impossibility of initiating a national special plan. They use specific data regarding teachers' salaries, highlighting both the average Estonian salary (1904 euros) and the proposed minimum rate (1820 euros) to illustrate the failure to deliver on promises.

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the financing and administrative procedures within the education sector, highlighting specific examples such as the delayed payment of salary coefficients to teachers in Ida-Virumaa and the funding shortfalls for language instruction for recent arrivals. They are also well-informed about the reorganization of the school network and the technical mishaps that plagued the joint entrance exams for state gymnasiums.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of tax policy (citing the example of Portugal and data from the Estonian Food Industry Association) and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, posing precise procedural questions regarding the decisions made by the committee and the board. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the statements made by local representatives of the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (Daniel), quoting them to refute misinformation.