Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut

An inquiry regarding the narrowing scope of Estonian as a language of scientific study and the quality of university education (no. 764)

2025-06-02

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session

Political Position
The political focus is on linking education policy with national labor needs, emphasizing the admission of foreign students into fields where labor shortages have been identified. This stance supports promoting student mobility, provided that the teaching of the Estonian language and professional employment within Estonia are guaranteed. The framework is strongly policy- and results-oriented, focusing on solving specific economic problems through the education system.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of workforce planning, specifically referencing the reports of the Kutsekoda OSKA project, which identify the labor demand for the next ten years. Technical terms are used, such as "educational mobility" and "professional utilization," indicating a deep familiarity with the subject matter.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, polite, and question-focused, addressing the minister directly ("Esteemed Minister! I inquire..."). The tone is neutral and logical, concentrating on obtaining information regarding specific plans and political outlooks, without resorting to emotional appeals.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action during the specified period is limited to participation in an interpellation, during which a specific and detailed question is posed to the minister regarding foreign students and labor needs.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Lack of data

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is formal and respectful, with the question being presented directly to the minister to gain clarity regarding the government's plans. Information concerning inter-party cooperation or compromises is absent.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing Estonia's labor needs and nationwide education policy in the context of international students. There is no reference to specific local regions or projects.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize alleviating the labor shortage and supporting economic growth through targeted educational policy. Preference is given to solutions that ensure the professional employment of foreign students in the Estonian labor market, thereby supporting the needs of the economy.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, emphasis is placed on language instruction for foreign students and their integration into Estonian society. This is linked to the long-term objective of ensuring they find professional employment in Estonia after completing their studies.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at shaping government plans and policies concerning the promotion of educational migration and addressing workforce requirements. The speaker acts primarily as an information-gathering and policy-directing stakeholder, rather than the initiator of specific bills.

1 Speeches Analyzed