By Months: Margit Sutrop

The speaker, a representative of the Reform Party, expresses strong support for the adoption of the Basic Education Act, emphasizing its necessity for establishing a unified legal basis and supporting the transition to Estonian-language education. The political framing is value-based and policy-centric, stressing the welfare of children, equal opportunities, and the preservation of a strong foundation for the Estonian education system. The speaker remains optimistic regarding the law's adoption and subsequent implementation.

The speaker strongly advocates for the modernization of the management of research institutions by granting the Estonian Academy of Sciences greater autonomy, and emphasizes the necessity of national self-defense, supporting the revocation of voting rights for citizens of aggressor states. The primary substantive focus is on education reform, backing the extension of compulsory education until the age of 18 to reduce dropout rates and enhance workforce preparation, which is framed as a data-driven and strategic objective. Furthermore, they express a desire to be the driving force ("locomotive") behind science policy, rather than merely a formal endorser.

The political platform is heavily focused on developing national defense capabilities, emphasizing the role of the Estonian defense industry and the importance of innovation. The speaker vigorously supports aid to Ukraine, specifically linking it to the utilization of Estonian-made products. Furthermore, he/she supports the education reform, viewing micro-degrees as the way forward, and demands clarification regarding their prior validity.

The political position heavily focuses on the adequate funding and proper accounting of research, development, and innovation (RDI) expenditures, while criticizing the Ministry of Finance's methodology. Furthermore, deep concern is expressed regarding Georgia's democratic situation and the opportunities for Estonian diplomacy in that region. The speaker stresses the necessity of adhering to the agreed-upon funding levels, which is significant both politically and in terms of values.

The speaker is the spokesperson for the Reform Party faction, who strongly supports the education reforms agreed upon in the coalition agreement, particularly raising teachers' salaries to 120% and streamlining the school network. He/She emphasizes the long-term impact of political decisions, citing the abolition of the tax hump as the elimination of a historical injustice. His/Her positions are strongly policy- and value-driven, focusing on the quality of education and proper remuneration for teachers.

The political position focuses on details and the big picture, emphasizing the need to weigh conflicting objectives (e.g., preserving rural schools versus the quality of education and teachers’ salaries). We support valuing the Estonian language and creating an Estonian-language public space, but we oppose categorical and unnecessary legislative changes (such as the elimination of Russian-language websites), preferring instead a needs-based and substantive approach. Furthermore, the speaker favors the construction of a nuclear power plant, but stresses the importance of balancing the values of safety and sufficient energy supply.

The politician highlights issues concerning social services and critical infrastructure, focusing on education, healthcare, and energy security. Their stance reflects deep concern, particularly regarding the qualifications of mathematics teachers and the accessibility of medical care. The political framework is results-oriented, stressing systemic deficiencies that require immediate resolution.

The speaker strongly supports the quality and Estonian-language focus of Estonian higher education, while simultaneously emphasizing the critical importance of internationalization for the benefit of science and the economy, citing Estonia's high position in the citation rate of scientific publications. The political position is strongly policy- and data-driven, defending the necessity of university internationalization and criticizing the opposition's arbitrary diagnoses regarding the causes of declining educational quality. Furthermore, he supports streamlining the student loan system and addressing the issue of interest rates.

The political position is that of a supporter of the Reform Party, emphasizing the necessity of education and research reforms to ensure high quality. This position supports the government’s 1% research funding agreement but is critical of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM) plans to establish a new center that would duplicate the work of universities and compete for scarce resources. The political framework is strongly policy- and value-driven, stressing the need to accept reality and the inevitability of reforms.