Agenda Profile: Margit Sutrop
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 supports the coalition's budget amendment (389 SE), but emphasizes that it is insufficient for resolving the teachers' salary problem. The main direction is long-term structural reform in education, focusing on salary differentiation and the streamlining of the school network. This stance is strongly policy-driven, emphasizing the goal agreed upon in the coalition agreement to raise teachers' salaries to 120%. Additionally, tax reform (the abolition of the tax hump/curve) is highlighted as a crucial measure for increasing teachers' income.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education funding and tax policy, utilizing specific data and statistics. Precise salary figures are provided (€1,820 minimum, €2,094 average), along with the proportions of the differentiation fund (20%, with a desired increase to 25%). The negative technical impact of the "tax hump" on incomes ranging from €1,200 to €2,100 is also explained, as well as the financial benefits for teachers if this measure were eliminated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is substantive, analytical, and moderately critical, balancing support for the draft bill with a demand for deeper structural changes. The appeals are primarily logical and policy-based, focusing on financial mechanisms and the elimination of injustice. Strong phrases are used, such as "totally unacceptable" (regarding unqualified teachers) and "historical injustice" (concerning the tax hump).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity include participating in the Riigikogu session and speaking on behalf of the faction. Reference is made to internal discussions within the Reform Party's education working group, which illustrates the policy formation process inside the faction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been directed against the previous government (specifically Jüri Ratas's government before the last one, initiated by the Isamaa party). They are accused of implementing the progressive income tax, or the so-called "tax hump" (maksuküür), which allegedly "robs teachers of money." The criticism is intensely political, labeling this system a historical injustice. Additionally, the City of Tallinn is criticized for the improper use of the differentiation fund.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the objectives agreed upon in the coalition agreement and expresses support for the Education Minister's negotiations aimed at raising salaries. Furthermore, the consensus reached with school principals regarding the need to increase the share of the differentiation fund was emphasized, in order to ensure that good teachers receive appropriate compensation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national education and tax policy. A regional focus emerges in the criticism of the City of Tallinn, where the local government channels money from the differentiation fund to support specialists, thereby leaving teachers under wage pressure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize simplifying the tax system and restoring fairness, advocating for the abolition of the tax hump specifically to increase teachers' take-home pay by roughly 100 euros per month. In terms of fiscal policy, cost savings are demanded through the streamlining of the school network, thereby preventing the waste of money on maintaining empty school buildings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the quality of education and adequate compensation for teachers. Emphasis is placed on the need to ensure that children are taught by qualified specialists, and the situation where hundreds of teachers are teaching subjects without the relevant educational background is considered scandalous.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the budget amendment (389 SE), even though it is considered a small step. The larger priorities include increasing the differentiation fund (at the initiative of the Reform Party, up to 20%) and abolishing the tax hump in 2025, which is viewed as a significant achievement in improving teachers' income.
2 Speeches Analyzed