Everywhere in the world, the distrust of politicians by the public and the alienation of politicians from the people have become problematic. Estonia is no exception in this regard. The recent comments made by our Prime Minister regarding the teachers' strike only confirm this.

By its very nature, politics is corruptive. Within a party, it's not those with a good education, the ability to approach processes systematically, or those with empathy who advance, but rather the 'broilers' - those who know how to ingratiate themselves with the leadership, blindly applaud even their most foolish decisions, and demonstrate loyalty at every opportunity. Thus, it happens that the insignificant take over the power in the party and, if they come to government, such lightweights also take the leading role in the country. It's strange that to sit in the ministerial chair, one does not need education relevant to the field, but only to have pushed oneself forward on the short party bench and sworn loyalty to the party leader and their inner circle. The ministers' lack of education in their area of responsibility is a primary factor that makes the work of governments ridiculously clumsy, turning government cabinet meetings into a pathetic amateur theatre focused on the self-exposition of political egos, rather than a think tank driving development.

A Quick Look at the Estonian Government:

Let’s take a quick look at the preparation of the ministers in the current government, which is considered a failure by the majority of Estonians. Some ministers have a certificate of education supporting their field. Whether anything from their studies stuck with them is another question. However, several figures lack the education necessary to lead their area of responsibility.

Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev graduated in geodesy from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, which certainly didn't prepare him for wreaking havoc on national finances.

Regional Minister Madis Kallas, who graduated in physical education from Tallinn University, leaves it unclear how this helps solve regional problems.

His schoolmate, Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets, graduated in recreation management from Tallinn University. How knowledge of managing protective, recreational, and green areas helps in making decisions about internal security is also a mystery.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna studied at the Faculty of Theology and Faculty of Law at the University of Tartu from 1996–2002 but lacks graduation data. He attended the University of Toronto from 1999-2000, receiving some training in international law. He likely doesn’t have a higher education diploma but seems to have enough courage for dabbling in foreign politics.

It’s also troubling that the country’s cultural life is led by former radio voice Heidy Purga, who holds a diploma in directing from Tallinn Pedagogical University.

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has four years of law at the University of Tartu and three years at the Estonian Business School. This may seem like sufficient education for the role of Prime Minister, but listening to her poorly argued and badly structured speeches, one wonders how a graduate of such respected schools could be outperformed by a high school graduate.

The Primer of Corrupt Politics:

To excel in politics, be persistent in sucking up to party leaders, train your skin to be thick enough so the yapping of jackal journalists doesn’t bother you, crank your self-esteem to the max and ignore the messes your actions cause for the state and people. This is the primer wisdom our political stars follow. It's no wonder that alongside political parties, communities, pressure groups, and like-minded associations are increasingly playing a vital role in shaping everyday life. In these groups, one can only rise to a leadership position by mastering the topic and having firm positions, not by scratching someone's thigh. In Estonia, as elsewhere in the world, we would be saved from many state-life absurdities if we learn to value education and clearly differentiate that economics is not managed by a philologist from the ministerial cabinet and IT specialists do not decide on social issues. As for political corruption in the allocation of positions in the government and state institutions, we should be as intolerant as the piling of money packs into an old nightstand of a grandmother.

By Vsevolod Jürgenson