Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First reading of the Draft Act Amending the Child Protection Act and Other Acts (427 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly socially oriented, actively supporting the Child Protection Bill (427 SE) with the aim of improving the identification and assistance provided to children in need. The discourse is largely framed by the historical achievements of the Social Democrats, highlighting their role in increasing child benefits and support payments for children with disabilities. The position is rather value-based and results-oriented, emphasizing social responsibility toward children.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of social welfare and child protection legislation, referencing specific legal amendments and their impact. Technical terms such as "duty of care" and "healthcare information systems" are used, and precise data is presented (e.g., 2,055 children in foster families and approximately 100 families affected by proactive assistance). The expertise also covers the child benefits system and the area of support for children with disabilities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is celebratory, optimistic, and appreciative, symbolically linking the processing of the bill with the approaching Children’s Day. It employs both emotional appeals (recognizing children and families) and logical arguments, drawing on the party’s past achievements and specific legislative amendments. The speech is formal, yet it includes a strong personal and historical retrospective.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity centers on legislative work in the Riigikogu, related to handling significant social issues (the first reading of Bill 427 SE). The speaker emphasizes their previous activity as an initiator of legislation and as the head of the Social Affairs Committee. The speech is timed just before a significant social date (Children’s Protection Day).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is low-intensity and primarily relates to previous legislative procedures. The Free Party (Vabaerakond) faced indirect criticism regarding the 2019 draft bill on benefits for children with disabilities, as their financial accounting was flawed and deemed unacceptable from the perspective of the state budget. The criticism was policy- and procedure-based, not personal.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is very open and appreciative, emphasizing work done "together with good colleagues" and members of the Social Affairs Committee. Successful cooperation with several political parties (linking the drafts of three initiators) in the adoption of the Law on Anniversaries in 2020 is highlighted. Readiness to resolve a significant concern initiated by an opposition party was also stressed, specifically by improving the financial accounting of their draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, centered on the execution of child protection and social welfare duties at the level of local municipalities and the Social Insurance Board. Specific regional projects or communities are not mentioned; rather, emphasis is placed on the consistent operation of national systems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support national redistribution and social investments, evidenced by a proud list detailing multiple increases in child benefits and allowances for children with disabilities. The focus is on improving the financial well-being of families through state measures. The draft bill supports proactive state intervention in addressing social issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sector focuses primarily on child welfare, strengthening child protection, and supporting families, particularly concerning issues related to children with disabilities and foster families. There is strong support for recognizing June 1st (Child Protection Day) as a national observance and flag day, alongside discussions about making it a public holiday. The objective is to improve the identification and assistance provided to children who need help.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority involves amendments to the Child Protection Act and the Social Welfare Act (Bill 427 SE), aimed at offering proactive assistance and clarifying data processing procedures. The speaker highlights their role in initiating and supporting previous significant social legislation, including raising child benefits, increasing allowances for children with disabilities, and designating Child Protection Day as a flag day.
1 Speeches Analyzed