By Agendas: Kadri Tali

Politicians demonstrate a profound understanding of the organizational and financial requirements of choirs and dance groups, emphasizing the need to secure rehearsal spaces, equipment, costumes, and compensation for instructors. This expertise is further substantiated by citing the concerns raised by industry representatives (Hirvo Surva, Kaia Tanner, Kadri Tiis), particularly regarding the recruitment pipeline for instructors and the inconsistent support provided by local municipalities. One speaker referenced their personal experience singing in choirs and establishing ensembles, including the founding of the Riigikogu (Parliamentary) Choir.

The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise in sports law and its procedural aspects, highlighting details regarding the involvement of stakeholders (the Estonian Olympic Committee, sports federations) and the positions of the ministries (the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Finance). Technical terms are employed (e.g., "seasonal permit," "subsidy for coaching labor costs"), and complex regulations, such as the expansion of the right to process data, are clarified.

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in sports and culture funding, presenting specific numerical data covering the last five years. Statistics are utilized regarding grants from local authorities and the Ministry of Culture, the growth of coaching subsidies, and the revenue base of clubs, including the impact of the 44% rise in the Consumer Price Index. The sector is examined from an economic and financial perspective, emphasizing the creation of added value and the necessity of financial mechanisms.

The speaker positions themselves as a financing professional in the sports and culture sectors, bringing 28 years of experience in developing private capital raising solutions. Specific terminology and tools, such as the "private funding potential calculator," are utilized, and concrete financial projections (€10 million, €50 million) are presented to substantiate the ideas. It is emphasized that this sector generates easily verifiable added value for the economy.

The speaker positions themselves as an expert in the cultural field, using the analogy of a musician to emphasize the importance of knowing the subject matter in politics. They rely on the expertise of the Minister of Education regarding the early childhood education bill, praising the minister for their knowledge of the field and their management of change.

High technical expertise is demonstrated regarding the financing and tax regulations of the sports sector, particularly concerning income tax refunds and the registration of sports schools within the Estonian education information system. Experts (Margus Klaan) explain in detail the reasons for the emergence of dual systems and predict the impact of their elimination (only 100 schools will remain out of 500). The discussion also covers the time frame for identifying sports violations (up to eight years) and the procedures for reclaiming support payments.

Belobrovtsev demonstrates knowledge of the current school lunch financing scheme, highlighting the inadequacy of the state's 1-euro allocation and the increase in the City of Tallinn's contribution. Kilk, the representative of the Ministry of Education, offers technical expertise regarding the legal nature of the support (subsidy vs. cost coverage) and the expected budgetary impact (30 million euros). Tali and Helme introduce international comparisons (Finland) and detailed questions concerning food quality and dessert.

Evelin Poolamets demonstrates knowledge of the current pay rate and the upcoming increase in the minimum wage, as well as the varying practices of local authorities in implementing these fees. Kristel Möller (HTM) provides legal expertise concerning the restriction of local government rights. Tõnis Lukas stresses the necessity of addressing the issue of kindergarten funding comprehensively and strategically within a single term of government.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the international domain of opera, referencing categories of opera houses (A, B, C) and technical specifications (stage dimensions, company size). This expertise is underpinned by personal experience as an international manager, the founder of an orchestra, and having brought over 500 productions to the Estonian audience at the Estonia Theatre. He/She stresses that opera is an economic sector that facilitates international collaboration and financial sustainability.

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the economic potential and export capacity of the culture and sports sectors. Particular emphasis is placed on specific financial data, pointing to a potential investment opportunity for businesses worth nearly one billion euros under the current legislation, which requires a state-provided incentive.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the demographics of the education system, presenting specific statistical data on teacher age (an average of 49) and the teacher pipeline. They are also fully aware of the outcomes of detailed financial negotiations, citing precise sums (18 million, 8 million, 5.5 million euros) and their respective sources.

High competence is evident in the field of education, particularly in addressing the problems of vocational education (attractiveness, dead end/lack of progression, funding) and emphasizing the academic importance of music education in early childhood. Specific data regarding the number of dropouts (nearly 700 basic school graduates annually) is utilized, and reference is made to international PISA tests. The importance of music education methodology and a professional teacher for a child's brain development between the ages of 3 and 10 is highlighted.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of culture funding and management, citing 26 years of international work experience as a manager. Historical references are utilized (1919 discussions, scholarships, stipends/allowances), alongside technical concepts such as the "financial mechanism" and the "calculator for the potential of attracting private funds." Specific knowledge regarding the distribution of the Ministry of Culture's budget is also highlighted (e.g., 13% for ERR, 13% for integration).

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the financial mechanisms of foreign aid and the accounting of defense expenditures, utilizing a specific economic indicator (0.25% of GDP) in the context of supporting Ukraine's defense. The expertise focuses on the details of foreign policy financing.

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.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the education sector, particularly concerning teacher workload (responsibility virtually 24/7) and the psychological pressure that causes them to leave the profession. They are knowledgeable about issues within the school network, emphasizing the importance and ongoing struggle for survival faced by small rural schools, drawing on personal experience. Furthermore, they understand the complexities involved in teacher salary payments, specifically mentioning local municipalities and the management boards of foundations.