By Agendas: Margit Sutrop

Total Agendas: 48

Fully Profiled: 48

All Categories Political Position Topic Expertise Rhetorical Style Activity Patterns Opposition Stance Collaboration Style Regional Focus Economic Views Social Issues Legislative Focus
2025-10-09
Discussion of the Crucial National Issue 'The Future of the Estonian Economy'

15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The political focus centers on the future of the Estonian economy, specifically addressing the funding and efficiency of research and development (R&D). The speaker supports the state's contribution to R&D (1% of GDP) but stresses the necessity of guiding companies more actively toward collaboration with universities to maximize the impact of these investments. This stance is policy-driven and aimed at optimizing existing support mechanisms.
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2025-10-07
First Reading of the 2026 State Budget Bill (737 SE)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The speaker offers moderate support for the positive developments in the 2026 budget concerning higher education (a 10.6% increase in operational funding). However, they express strong concern regarding the €6 million cut planned for 2027 within the State Budget Strategy (RES). The political focus remains on the sustainability of education funding and the financial well-being of students. This is a policy-driven stance, concentrating on specific budgetary figures and their resulting social impacts.
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2025-06-18
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, and amending the Disability Support Act (604 SE) – third reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker strongly supports the draft legislation concerning end-of-life decisions and the termination of futile treatment, emphasizing its value-based nature in protecting individual freedom, dignity, and autonomy. The position is highly supportive, stressing the importance of avoiding suffering and ensuring a dignified death. Furthermore, it is proposed that a debate be initiated regarding the legalization of assisted suicide. This political position reflects the supportive stance of the Reform Party faction.
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2025-06-18
Draft law amending the Basic Education and Upper Secondary Education Act and the Vocational Education Institutions Act (director certification and teacher career model) (653 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The political focus is on governance and transparency within the education sector, particularly the procedures for disclosing the results of school principals' certification. A moderate, question-oriented stance is maintained, emphasizing the need for clarity when communicating the results and drawing subsequent conclusions. This constitutes a policy-based approach which seeks clarity regarding the operational details of the law's implementation.
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2025-06-12
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development Activities and Innovation (554 SE) - Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The central theme is the reform of the national governance of research, development, and innovation (RDI), regarding which strong support and a desire for swift adoption have been expressed. The position is policy-driven, emphasizing the necessity of stable funding, the regulation of research ethics, and inter-ministerial coordination channeled through the Ministry of Education and Research. It is crucial to guarantee the autonomy of research institutions and academic freedom while simultaneously avoiding over-regulation.
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2025-06-12
Second reading of the draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, as well as amending the Act on Support for Working Capacity (604 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The political position is strongly supportive of Bill 604 SE, which addresses a patient’s end-of-life advance directive and the refusal of medical treatment. This stance is value-based, stressing patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, thereby shifting the focus from paternalistic medicine toward a truly person-centered approach. The speaker emphasizes that life should not be prolonged at all costs if it is no longer deemed worth living.
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2025-06-10
The Chairman of the Supreme Court’s overview of court orders, the administration of justice, and the uniform application of laws.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The political stance heavily focuses on the stagnation in addressing the problems of the justice system, stressing that old issues are recurring and causing concern. The speaker strongly advocates for structural reforms in judicial training, proposing a supervised practice model akin to a medical residency. This position is clearly policy- and procedure-focused, emphasizing the necessity of avoiding getting bogged down in circular arguments.
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2025-05-15
The Minister of Education and Research's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The political position strongly focuses on the strategic reorganization of higher education funding, supporting an increase in the proportion of applied higher education at the expense of academic higher education. This stance is policy- and outcome-based, referencing the coalition agreement and the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035". The speaker moderately and pragmatically supports this shift in direction, while simultaneously seeking specific details regarding the allocation of funds and the fields of study involved.
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2025-05-13
Draft law amending the Basic Education Act, the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia, and other laws related thereto (establishing the obligation to attend school) – First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The political position is centered on the consistency and efficiency of legislation, with a strong emphasis on procedural correctness. The speaker expresses moderate skepticism regarding the necessity of rapidly amending the recently adopted law, seeking clarification as to whether the move is an initiative to correct a previous error or to reduce bureaucracy.
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2025-05-13
Draft law amending the Courts Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (to improve the administration of courts) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

The political position centers on the practical implementation of judicial reform, highlighting objectives related to cost savings and optimization. The focus is directed toward deploying technological solutions (artificial intelligence) in court operations to alleviate resource shortages. Staffing is explicitly policy- and performance-based.
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2025-04-23
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act (advance directive of a patient’s end-of-life will) – first reading (604 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The political stance is one of strong support for the draft bill concerning the patient's end-of-life declaration (604 SE), which the Reform Party backs in the patient's best interests. This position is framed on a value-based foundation, emphasizing the protection of patient autonomy and the right to self-determination in situations where they are unable to make decisions. The objective is to ensure that the declaration, which is filed through the health portal, is mandatory for doctors to adhere to.
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2025-04-22
The Minister of Culture's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of "The Fundamentals of Estonian Sports Policy until 2030")

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The political focus is on the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the cultural sector, emphasizing the immense opportunities and inherent risks this entails. The official stance is one of cautious exploration, requiring the Ministry of Culture to present a clear action plan for managing both the risks associated with AI (e.g., copyright issues, the value of human artists) and its opportunities (e.g., heritage preservation, digitization). The focus is policy- and value-driven, concentrating on the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035."
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2025-04-10
The Chancellor of Justice's proposal to align the Motor Vehicle Tax Act and the Road Traffic Act with the Basic Law.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The political stance is clearly supportive of the Chancellor of Justice’s proposal to bring the motor vehicle tax into compliance with the law, particularly concerning the payment for non-existent assets. He emphasizes that annual payment is a significant burden for people, thereby supporting the reduction of the burden on citizens. The formation of this position prioritizes the principles of fairness and policy implementation, rather than a value-based framework.
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2025-03-11
The Prime Minister's address for 2025 on the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035" (including an overview of the situation of research and development activities and the government's policy in this area).

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The political position is strongly supportive of funding and developing science and higher education, emphasizing the priority of these sectors in government activities. The main objectives are reducing bureaucracy, ensuring stable core funding, and maximizing the inflow of European Union funds into Estonia. The speaker supports the implementation of the 1% science funding agreement and the agreed-upon growth in higher education funding. The political framework is heavily policy- and reform-driven.
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2025-02-26
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The speaker strongly supports the objectives of the Research and Development Activities Bill (TAIKS), but emphasizes the necessity of guaranteeing the financial autonomy of research institutions and protecting them from political interference, citing the negative experience of the United States. Key policy stances include regulating scientific ethics at the statutory level and ensuring stable funding (the 1% agreement), although the metrics for measuring the latter remain unclear. The position is primarily policy- and value-driven, focusing on the system's reliability and long-term sustainability.
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2025-02-20
Discussion of the nationally important issue "Plan for the Future of Sport: How to Bring Medals and Get Children Moving"

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session.

The political position is moderately supportive of the concerns raised regarding the future of sport, but redirects the focus toward the underutilization of academic resources. The speaker stresses the need for improved policy implementation, particularly concerning the role of universities in supporting youth sports and utilizing evidence-based data. This is primarily a framework oriented toward performance and policy execution.
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2025-02-11
A debate on foreign policy initiated as a matter of significant national importance by the Foreign Affairs Committee.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The political position centers on the direction of foreign policy, demanding the restoration of historical friendly relations with Israel. The speaker criticizes the government for sending mixed signals regarding the Israeli-Palestine conflict, clearly advocating for support of the Israeli side. This is strongly value-based and results-oriented criticism directed at the government's foreign policy.
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2025-01-22
Draft law amending the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act (514 SE) – Second Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.

The political position is highly supportive of modernizing and simplifying the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act, emphasizing the substantive implementation of the principle of academic autonomy, based on Article 38 of the Constitution. The objective is to enhance the Academy's capacity to respond swiftly to challenges facing the state and society. This constitutes a policy- and efficiency-focused approach to institutional development.
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2024-12-18
Draft law amending the Medicinal Products Act (hospital pharmacy) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The political stance is cautious and focuses on validating the underlying principles of the draft legislation (the Law Amending the Medicinal Products Act). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of knowing whether the proposed solution has been tested in other countries and what international practices it relies upon. The position is primarily policy-driven, demanding an evidence-based approach.
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2024-12-11
Third reading of the Basic Education Act bill (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The speaker strongly supports the adoption of the Basic Education Act, viewing it as an essential step in the transition to Estonian-language education and in ensuring equal opportunities for children. This political position is value-based, emphasizing that there is no turning back from Estonian-language instruction, and represents the standpoint of the Reform Party. The passing of the law is considered a necessary compromise for the sake of a better future for children and the sustainable development of Estonia.
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2024-12-05
Draft law amending the Citizenship Act (522 SE) – First Reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session.

The political position centers on the repeated submissions of the draft bill to amend the Citizenship Act. The position itself is indirect, emphasizing procedural consistency and demanding clarification regarding the differences in the content of the draft bill. The framing is aimed at monitoring the efficiency of the legislative process and controlling changes to the substance of the law.
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2024-12-05
Second reading of the Basic Education Act bill (419 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker, representing the Reform Party, is a strong proponent of the draft Preschool Education Act (419 SE), underscoring the critical necessity and long-awaited nature of its adoption. The political focus is aimed at standardizing the education system (by transferring childcare facilities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Research) and guaranteeing quality and equal opportunities. The bill's framework is predominantly policy- and value-driven, emphasizing the constitutional prohibition against discrimination based on language.
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2024-11-21
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other laws accordingly (establishing compulsory schooling) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Strong support for the draft bill (447 SE) extending compulsory education, which is widely seen as a step in the right direction and is explicitly included in the coalition agreement. The political focus is centered on raising the overall level of education and preparing young people for the labor market, utilizing a policy- and performance-based framework. The objective is to achieve a 90% share of 20–24-year-olds who have completed secondary education by the year 2035.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The political position is strongly in favor of the coalition's draft bill (likely 536 SE), which addresses the issue of voting rights. The speaker considers this a historic decision, emphasizing the necessity of finding a common solution. The position is policy-based, focusing on correcting factual inaccuracies regarding the categories of eligible voters. They acknowledge the opposition (Isamaa) for having championed this topic over a long period.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The politician strongly supports revoking the voting rights of citizens from aggressor states, stressing that the Estonian state has the right to defend itself given the changed security situation. This stance is policy-driven, citing direct threats and the increase in the number of Russian citizens compared to the 1990s. He emphasizes that this is not an accusation, but a reaction to the current situation.
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2024-11-14
Draft law amending the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act (514 SE) – first reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session

The political position focuses on modernizing the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act and increasing the Academy’s autonomy from the Ministry of Education and Research. There is strong support for the draft legislation aimed at simplifying the Academy’s internal operational procedures and management structure, stressing the necessity of flexibility and modernization. Furthermore, the desire is expressed that the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) should be bolder and more proactive in adopting broader legislation governing the organization of research and development (R&D) work.
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2024-09-19
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Adult Education Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (465 SE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session

The political position strongly endorses the initiative to amend the Adult Education Act, highlighting the critical importance of micro-credentials for the future. The focus is on a policy-driven approach that will regulate this emerging educational sector. The speaker supports modernization and the statutory recognition of new educational formats.
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2024-09-11
Minister of Defence's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session

The political focus is heavily directed toward national defense, the development of the Estonian defense industry, and the promotion of innovation. The speaker vigorously supports aid to Ukraine, while simultaneously stressing the use of domestic defense industry output within that context. This approach is policy- and results-driven, centering on the involvement of research institutions to boost defense capabilities.
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2024-06-11
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement "On the Crisis of Democracy in Georgia" (449 AE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.

The political stance is strongly focused on resolving the crisis of democracy in Georgia, while also expressing personal sorrow regarding the situation. The role and potential of Estonian diplomacy are highlighted, seeking concrete actions from the ambassador. This position is value-based, concentrating on the practical impact of the statement on ongoing diplomatic efforts.
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2024-06-10
First Reading of the Draft Act on the 2024 Supplementary Budget (456 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The political focus is currently on state finances and the reduction of Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) expenditures in the supplementary budget. The speaker challenges the government's assertion that the 1% RDI spending target for the public sector has been met, stressing that the actual allocation, according to Statistics Estonia, stands at 0.77%. This stance is critical and policy-driven, centering on the accuracy and transparency of budget execution.
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2024-05-30
Discussion of the nationally important issue: "How can the state avoid living in debt?"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting

The political focus is on balancing the state budget, supporting a broad-based approach that includes cuts, tax hikes, and investments. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of Research and Development (R&D) investments in the context of achieving budget balance. The stance is moderately strong and policy-driven, seeking structural solutions for the national debt burden.
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2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Strong support for the draft Preschool Education Act (419 SE), which is considered the foundation of Estonian education and PISA success. The political stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing the importance of qualified teachers and systematic value education in early childhood education. He/She defends the Reform Party's commitment to the quality of early childhood education, responding to indirect criticism.
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2024-05-07
Second Reading of the Draft Act Amending the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

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.
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2024-05-07
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (410 OE) of the Riigikogu titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Find a Solution for the Construction of an Extension to the National Opera Estonia"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The political stance is strongly supportive of the initiative to build an extension for the National Opera Estonia, stressing the necessity of moving forward with the project. The primary focus lies in weighing competing values: resolving the conflict between the spatial requirements of culture and art and the preservation of the UNESCO heritage. This constitutes a policy- and solution-oriented approach.
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2024-04-18
Discussion of the matter of significant national importance, initiated by the Environmental Committee, titled "The necessity and possibilities of introducing nuclear energy in Estonia"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

The political stance is clearly in favor of adopting nuclear energy, supporting the construction of a nuclear power plant. This position is value-based, focusing on the consideration and balancing of key societal values: sufficient energy, a clean environment, a good quality of life, and security. The speaker emphasizes that security is certainly an essential component of a good life.
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2024-04-16
The Minister of Culture's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of the "Estonian Sports Policy Fundamentals until 2030")

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The political focus has shifted to the insufficient funding of basic research within the humanities. The speaker strongly advocates for increasing the proportion of humanities in research grants, citing the uneven distribution of ETAG grants which favors the natural and exact sciences. This stance is central to the debate over policy and resource allocation, stressing the necessity of giving greater consideration to fundamental research.
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2024-04-10
First reading of the Draft Resolution (365 OE) of the Riigikogu concerning the resolution titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Eliminate the Russian-Language Versions of the Websites of Ministries and Other Government Agencies."

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The most crucial issue is the establishment of an Estonian-language public sphere and boosting the prestige of the Estonian language, an effort that receives strong support. However, there is opposition to the categorical approach taken by Bill 365 OE regarding the elimination of Russian-language ministry websites, which is deemed unnecessary. A needs-based and pragmatic approach to information dissemination is preferred, particularly during crisis situations, while simultaneously stressing a value-based perspective on the dignity of the official state language.
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2024-04-10
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Initiate Drafts of Legal Acts Ensuring the Clarity and Predictability of the Development of the School Network" (285 OE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

The main political focus lies at the intersection of education policy and regional development, emphasizing the need to maintain schools in sparsely populated areas while simultaneously ensuring the quality of education and a decent salary for teachers. Critical analysis calls into question the integrity of the draft bill, especially concerning the need for additional funding and the obligation for local governments (LG) to finance private schools. The procedural report emphasizes the need to avoid obstruction and ensure reasonable legislative capacity.
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2024-03-19
The 2024 Report by the Minister of Health on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The political focus is on the accessibility of healthcare services, which fails to meet public expectations, despite the high quality of the service itself. The speaker expresses strong concern about the catastrophic shortage of doctors and nurses, particularly in the fields of psychiatry and radiology. This position is results-oriented, demanding concrete measures from the government to increase the training and preparation of medical personnel.
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2024-03-12
First Reading of the Draft Act amending the State Budget Act (391 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd plenary sitting

The political focus is currently directed at the budgets of constitutional institutions, particularly the Office of the President of the Republic, an issue that has attracted significant public attention. The speaker's stance is procedural and inquisitive, underscoring the necessity of clarifying the substance of the negotiations and determining whether a compromise proposal exists. The overall focus is policy- and process-driven.
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2024-03-07
Debate on the matter of national importance, "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Estonian Reform Party parliamentary group.

Fifteenth Riigikogu, third sitting, plenary session

The political focus is heavily concentrated on the practical challenges of the renewable energy transition and energy security. Emphasis is placed on key issues, such as stabilizing the flow of wind and solar power and guaranteeing energy availability during meteorological, economic, and political crises. The approach is clearly policy- and solution-oriented.
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2024-03-05
2024 Report by the Minister of Education and Research on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Eesti 2035" (Education Reforms)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The political focus is currently on the critical shortcomings of the education system, particularly concerning boys' dropout rates and low mathematical proficiency. The most forceful argument centers on the catastrophic state of mathematics teacher qualifications, demanding immediate solutions to increase the teacher workforce. The focus is outcome-based, highlighting systemic failures in both teacher preparation and student results.
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2024-02-13
Debate on Foreign Policy as an Issue of Significant National Importance, initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

Both speakers focus on issues of foreign policy and national security, presenting pragmatic and policy-based demands. The first speaker calls for a robust political strategy to manage Estonia-China relations in order to shield businesses from economic risks. The second speaker raises the necessity of responding to Russia’s aggressive actions (the criminal case against the prime minister), emphasizing the defense of sovereignty.
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2024-02-07
First reading of the Draft Act (192 SE) on Amendments to the Research and Development Organisation Act.

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.

The political stance supports sufficient funding for national sciences and their definition at the legal level, deeming the raising of this issue appropriate. However, the speaker strongly criticizes the rhetoric used by the bill's initiators regarding the disparagement and slander of universities, demanding that evidence be presented for claims about "diploma laundering." The focus is policy-driven, centering on the specifics of the science funding system and the necessity of better aligning scientific research with societal needs.
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2024-02-07
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Study Allowances and Study Loans Act (288 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.

The political debate centers on the Student Loans and Grants Bill (288 SE). One speaker strongly supports increasing the student loan amount to bolster the quality of higher education but sharply criticizes the outrageously high interest rates. A second speaker presents the position of the lead committee, which favors rejecting the draft bill, citing government opposition and conceptual issues. The political framework is rather policy-driven, focusing on the analysis of solutions (or the lack thereof).
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2024-02-07
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Higher Education Act (291 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.

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).
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2024-01-23
Overview of the state of Research and Development and government policy in this field.

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker strongly supports the government’s commitment to the 1% R&D agreement, but sharply criticizes the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications’ (MKM) plan to establish a new applied research center. This center, they argue, would duplicate the work of universities and compete for scarce resources. The political focus must be directed toward increasing funding for science and higher education and resolving structural issues, such as academic succession and the regulation of research ethics. The speaker stresses the necessity of increasing actual public sector R&D funding, which they estimate stands at 0.7% of GDP, rather than the statistically calculated 1%.
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2024-01-18
Debate on the National Issue of Crucial Importance: "Strong Rural Schools and a Strong School Network"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The speaker is a strong advocate for education reform, stressing the necessity of ensuring high-quality education, along with providing teachers with a respectable salary and reducing their workload. This political stance is deeply rooted in policy and values, highlighting the need to come to terms with demographic shifts (urbanization, low birth rates) and initiate structural reforms. The speaker represents the views of the Reform Party, pledging support for the Minister of Education in implementing these reforms.
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