Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
The 2024 Report by the Minister of Social Protection on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
2024-05-27
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on the strategic objectives of social protection and reducing inequality, vigorously supporting the nation's long-term development strategy, "Estonia 2035." S2 stresses that the value of a society is measured by how it supports its weakest members, thereby prioritizing a value-based approach. Both speakers underscore the necessity of ensuring support for individuals throughout their entire lifespan, paying particular attention to the social guarantees afforded to informal caregivers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Both speakers demonstrate profound expertise in the field of social welfare and protection, utilizing specific statistical data, such as the rise in the poverty rate among the elderly from 41.6% to 53.1%. S2 establishes their authority by citing their education in the social sector, nearly 20 years of experience working in local government, and their leadership of the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee. S1 demonstrates knowledge of international solutions, specifically referencing the Finnish bill concerning social guarantees for informal caregivers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Style S1 is concrete and focused directly on the question, addressing the minister in an appreciative manner. S2 is formal, appreciative, and unifying, balancing political details (programs, statistics) with strong ethical and value-based appeals. S2 utilizes personal background (local government experience) to establish credibility and emphasizes that the strategic objective should be a cross-party roadmap.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
S1 refers to previous activities undertaken during the term of the last government, specifically a trip to Finland to familiarize themselves with the situation and legislation regarding informal caregivers. S2 notes that they have initiated and implemented several draft laws in the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee together with their party colleagues. Both statements form part of the debate on the minister’s presentation in the Riigikogu chamber.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no criticism; instead, the prevailing tone regarding the minister’s work is appreciative and constructive. While S2 does make a factual correction to the previous statement by "good colleague Lauri Laats" concerning the history of the increase in benefits for children with disabilities, this is a procedural clarification, not a personal attack.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
S2 strongly emphasizes cross-party cooperation, calling the strategic objective a cross-party document. The need for closer cooperation between various sectors to improve child protection is also stressed. Furthermore, cooperation among local governments—both within a single county and across multiple counties—is considered important for ensuring service accessibility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong focus is placed on the role and capacity of local governments (LGAs) in providing social services, noting that the care reform represents a very significant financial and organizational burden for LGAs. S2 emphasizes that the availability of necessary services should not depend on people's place of residence, and calls for improving county-level cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The focus is on social redistribution and targeted support aimed at reducing poverty, particularly among children and the elderly. They mention increasing maintenance allowance and single parent support starting in early 2024, and highlight the care reform as significant financial aid for local municipalities. S2 notes that the economic situation has partially contributed to the low birth rate problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main topics are the relative poverty and social exclusion experienced by children and the elderly, as well as the demographic challenge. Strong emphasis is placed on ensuring social guarantees for informal caregivers and reducing the care burden. S2 stresses the importance of improving the quality of child protection work and the significance of the field of equal treatment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Among the priorities are the intention to draft amendments to the Child Protection Act and the legislative securing of social guarantees for informal caregivers. S2 also highlights previous legislative achievements in increasing benefits for children with disabilities, which he/she initiated and supported as the head of the Social Affairs Committee. The care reform is considered an important and correct step.
2 Speeches Analyzed