Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Draft law amending the Social Welfare Act (pension support) - first reading (508 SE)
2024-10-17
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports amending the Social Welfare Act to retain the 200-euro pensioner allowance for seniors residing in nursing homes, emphasizing that this allowance is crucial for covering personal expenses and maintaining the recipients' dignity. The political focus is centered on mitigating poverty and social exclusion among the elderly, especially given Estonia's unfavorable standing in EU comparisons. This stance is deeply rooted in policy and values, aiming to protect vulnerable groups from national budget cuts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of social welfare legislation and the impacts of the care reform, utilizing specific figures (e.g., 6,700 pensioners, the cost share dropped from 78% to 52%) and statistics. The expertise focuses on the practice of determining nursing home co-payments in local municipalities and the differences between the rules governing special welfare services and general care homes. To support the argument, reference is made to the 2018 address by Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s rhetorical style is concerned, serious, and formal, emphasizing the vulnerability of the elderly ("in a fragile state") and the need for support. Logical and data-driven arguments are employed, blending statistics (Estonia’s poverty risk within the EU) with an emotional appeal regarding the issue of self-dignity. The text concludes by expressing hope for a substantive debate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the Social Affairs Committee session and addressing the Riigikogu chamber during the first reading of the draft bill. This pattern of activity involves the handling of specific draft legislation and the highlighting of key concerns.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the practice of local governments taking an excessively large portion of pensions (up to 95%) from the elderly to cover nursing home fees, leaving them with only pocket money. Concern is also being raised regarding the significant cuts directed at the Ministry of Social Affairs, which threaten already underfunded sectors. The opposition is based on policy and procedure, not personal issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized cooperation and external support, referencing the positive opinion of the Estonian Association of Pensioners' Unions and the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities regarding the continuation of the draft bill. Hope was expressed for a substantive debate both in the Social Affairs Committee and on the floor of the Riigikogu.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, encompassing the activities of local municipalities (LGUs) throughout Estonia, and bringing to light significant disparities in how the self-contribution portion of care home fees is determined. It is noted that LGUs are in a difficult financial position, which restricts their capacity to provide aid to the elderly.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for increased social welfare and poverty alleviation, opposing the budget cuts proposed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, given that the social and healthcare sectors are chronically underfunded. They also emphasize the necessity of protecting the incomes of the elderly and express satisfaction regarding the continued indexation of pensions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is the high rate of poverty and exclusion among the elderly in Estonia, which ranks last when compared to the European Union. The focus is on the accessibility of social welfare services and ensuring the financial dignity of seniors in nursing homes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on Bill 508 SE, which aims to amend the Social Welfare Act to ensure the continued payment of the pensioner's allowance to residents of care homes. The speaker is a strong proponent and advocate of this bill, seeking to address the deficiencies that arose from the care reform.
1 Speeches Analyzed