Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (694 SE)
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly focused on supporting targeted tax concessions for people with disabilities, while criticizing the current draft bill for deepening inequality. Although universal benefits are acknowledged, they are deemed insufficient for ensuring social justice. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on clarifying political responsibility regarding the initiation of the car tax, citing the opposition of the Social Democrats.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the field of social policy and disability benefits, utilizing specific statistical data regarding the increase in benefits (e.g., from €43 to €100) and its resulting impact (e.g., an additional 91 cents for individuals with severe disabilities). This expertise is also evident in their understanding of the technical requirements for implementing targeted tax exemptions, which rely on registry data concerning the severity of disabilities and familial relationships.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and empathetic, focusing on logical arguments supported by precise financial data and quotes (an appeal by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People). Rhetorical questions are directed at the minister, and emotional emphasis is used, describing minimal benefit increases (e.g., 91 cents) as insulting. The overall tone is serious and demanding, stressing the need for corrective action.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the first reading of the Riigikogu draft bill, repeatedly posing questions to the minister and delivering a detailed address. These patterns of engagement involve mediating the appeals of interest groups (the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People) and bringing their concerns to the parliamentary chamber.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the bill initiated by the government because it fails to address the specific needs of people with disabilities based on their target group. Specifically, critics point to the inadequacy of socio-political measures (such as the increase in benefits) and their unfair distribution across different levels of disability severity. Furthermore, earlier opponents who alleged that the Social Democrats were responsible for the car tax are also facing criticism.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to cooperation during the amendment proposal phase, expressing hope of finding common ground in the chamber for addressing the concerns of people with disabilities. Collaboration is also carried out with stakeholders, representing the positions and proposals of the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People in the Riigikogu.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is placed on the transportation needs of disabled elderly residents living in rural areas, for whom a personal vehicle is the only way to access medical care and shops. This highlights concerns regarding areas where public transportation is inadequate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views advocate for tax concessions based on target groups, stressing that a personal vehicle is an essential tool, not a convenience, for disabled individuals. While reducing the tax burden on households with children is supported, there is a demand for a fairer distribution among socially vulnerable groups to prevent the widening of inequality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political focus is very strong, centering on the fair treatment and alleviation of the economic situation of people with disabilities (including children and the elderly). The main concern is the increase in inequality if the legislative amendment does not offer target-group-specific tax relief to those for whom a car is an essential means of transport.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supplementing the Draft Act on Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Tax Act (Bill 694 SE) to include a target-group-specific tax exemption for individuals with severe and profound disabilities. The speaker is critical of the bill's current form and demands that the concerns of disabled people be addressed through amendments, in order to implement fair and feasible exceptions.
4 Speeches Analyzed