Agenda Profile: Margit Sutrop
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Higher Education Act (291 SE)
2024-02-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political stance strongly supports internationalization and English-language instruction, viewing this as beneficial for Estonian science and the economy. While sharing the view on the necessity of high-quality Estonian-language higher education (the position of the Reform Party), there is sharp opposition to the EKRE bill, deeming its diagnosis (the decline in quality linked to internationalization) arbitrary. The main focus is on a political solution: increasing the funding for higher education and streamlining support systems (scholarships, student loans).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding higher education policy, curriculum structure (language restrictions in Master’s and doctoral programs), and the international competitiveness of research. Arguments are supported by specific data, such as the high employment rate of graduates (over 70%) and the high citation impact of Estonian research according to Essential Science Indicators (ESI) data. The importance of mobility programs (Erasmus) and international cooperation in raising the quality of education is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, structured, and logical, utilizing clear enumeration (firstly, secondly, thirdly) in the presentation of arguments. The tone is critical of the opposing side's diagnosis, labeling it arbitrary, but remains constructive in offering its own solutions (funding, mobility). The speaker relies more heavily on data, academic examples, and personal experience (studying abroad) rather than emotional appeals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has consistently participated in discussions concerning higher education, noting that they have previously addressed bills initiated by EKRE. Reference is also made to the recent submission of a co-report following the Prime Minister’s presentation on research and development, which demonstrates active involvement in science policy debates.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE), whose proposed bill and the diagnostics underpinning it are sharply rejected. The criticism is political and data-driven, accusing EKRE of drawing an arbitrary connection between internationalization and a decline in quality, a connection that is not substantiated by data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the congruence of their position with the Reform Party's stance regarding the necessity of quality higher education taught in Estonian. The opposition to EKRE is strong, and no willingness to compromise on their draft bill is expressed, with the focus shifting instead to presenting their own party's political solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national higher education system and international cooperation (foreign students, mobility programs, research cooperation). Estonia's position in global science is emphasized (the fourth country in terms of citation impact according to ESI data). There are no references to specific local or regional problems within Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are tied to the role of higher education in supporting the labor market and attracting investment. There is support for utilizing foreign students to fill skill shortages, and internationalization is viewed as a way to improve the Estonian economy and investment climate. Preference is given to increasing public sector funding for higher education, alongside streamlining the student loan and scholarship system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue concerns the quality and accessibility of higher education, which is linked to the financial well-being of students. As a solution, it is proposed that the system of need-based grants and scholarships be reorganized to reduce the necessity for students to work and allow them to dedicate themselves fully to their studies. Foreign students are also viewed as cultural ambassadors who help create a positive perception of Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative attention is currently focused on opposing the Draft Act Amending the Higher Education Act (291 SE), specifically regarding restrictions on the language of instruction. The priority is to ensure legislative flexibility in the choice of language for curricula (especially at the Master’s and Doctoral levels). This flexibility is necessary to prevent situations where institutions are forced to create duplicate English-language curricula solely for the purpose of admitting international mobility students.
3 Speeches Analyzed