Agenda Profile: Kadri Tali
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 debate focuses on the balance between the internationalization of higher education and the preservation of the Estonian language, where Helle-Moonika Helme represents a strong value-based position regarding the direction of Estonian-language doctoral theses. The government decided not to support the draft bill, while simultaneously supporting short-term foreign mobility as a performance indicator. Tõnis Lukas represented a pragmatic viewpoint, supporting the removal of formal obstacles for Estonian-language doctoral theses.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Politicians demonstrated knowledge of the components of higher education funding, particularly concerning performance indicators related to students’ short-term international mobility. The discussion was detailed, covering the links between the language selection of doctoral theses and internationalization, while also referencing practical reasons why students are reluctant to study abroad. Margus Haidak clarified the ministry’s stance regarding statistics and the funding components.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and pertinent, focusing on political and regulatory arguments concerning the amendment of the Higher Education Act, which is typical for a committee session. Logical appeals are utilized, referencing both the transnational nature of science and practical examples (the EKA system). Helle-Moonika Helme stressed the necessity of shifting the mindset toward Estonian-language doctoral theses.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is restricted to participation in the sitting of the Cultural Affairs Committee on November 21, 2023, where preparations were made for the first reading of the draft Act amending the Higher Education Act. The Committee made a consensus decision to appoint a rapporteur and subsequently voted in favor of rejecting the draft Act. Kadri Tali was appointed as the Committee's rapporteur to the plenary session.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict arose between the proponents of the draft legislation (EKRE) and the stance of the Government of the Republic, with the government ultimately deciding not to endorse the bill. The committee, in its entirety, adopted a contradictory position on the draft, recommending its rejection by a vote of 8 in favor and 3 against. The criticism leveled was rooted in policy and values, specifically addressing the choice of language and the principles of financing.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Consensus cooperation was achieved in the committee regarding procedural matters, such as the appointment of the rapporteur and the proposal to include the draft bill on the agenda. Substantive cooperation, however, was limited, as the motion to reject the draft bill was adopted by a clear majority, indicating disagreements regarding the direction of higher education policy. Margit Sutrop and Signe Kivi supported the ministry's positions concerning international mobility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national higher education policy and the international sphere, addressing the transnational and translingual nature of science, as well as student outward mobility. Signe Kivi cited the system developed by the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) as an example—one that is applicable at the national level. There is no specific regional focus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are linked to higher education funding mechanisms that promote performance-based funding, which motivates universities to increase students’ short-term international mobility. The indicator measuring the proportion of foreign students has been excluded from the funding components.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the position of the Estonian language in doctoral dissertations, where Helle-Moonika Helme emphasizes the need to change the mindset toward Estonian-language works, opposing the trend of Anglicization. The second important topic is supporting student international mobility, which is seen as a positive educational direction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Draft Act 291 on amendments to the Higher Education Act, initiated by the faction of the Conservative People's Party of Estonia. Most committee members acted as opponents of the bill or supported its rejection, while Tõnis Lukas supported the possibility of adding regulations to promote Estonian-language academic works.
1 Speeches Analyzed