Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Special Social Care
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
Political Position
Strong criticism has been leveled against the state's inability to ensure the availability and sufficient funding of special welfare services, emphasizing that this is a direct governmental obligation. The political focus centers on resolving the underfunding and long waiting lists for these services, which is being framed as a result of government inaction and a lack of priorities. The overall stance is presented as results-based, demanding concrete solutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise in the field of special care services, utilizing specific data from the National Audit Office audit, such as the 60% coverage of costs and the doubling of the waiting list during the 2018–2024 period. The speaker also references their previous experience as Minister of Social Protection (2014–2015) in the context of constructing family homes (group homes). Detailed salary figures (1150–1250 euros gross salary) for special care workers are presented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is urgent and confrontational, posing direct questions to the Prime Minister and challenging the government's interpretation of the figures. It employs both emotional appeal (the workers' protest, the burden on informal caregivers) and logical argumentation, relying on official audit data. It stresses that the concern is so significant that workers have taken to the streets for the first time.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
It refers to active communication with stakeholders, mentioning contact with the Association of Providers of Special Welfare Services on the morning of the call. It closely monitors public actions by sector employees and informal carers, such as the meeting/rally held on September 25th. This pattern demonstrates a rapid response to developments within the sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the Prime Minister and the government, who face criticism for failing to meet a direct state obligation concerning special welfare services. The criticism is intense and centers on the absence of solutions in a situation where 1,000 people are awaiting the service. This contrasts the government's inaction with local municipalities, which are being forced to carry out state duties and resort to legal action.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national in scope, addressing the accessibility and funding of special welfare services across all of Estonia. The text highlights the burden placed on local governments when they are required to fulfill state obligations, specifically referencing their forced resort to legal action.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports increasing government funding for special needs care to cover the actual costs of services (currently 60% covered). It emphasizes the necessity of raising the income of low-wage care workers. The statement links social spending to economic benefit, arguing that service availability would allow informal caregivers to enter the workforce and become taxpayers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social topic revolves around the accessibility and quality of specialized care services, highlighting the plight of the 1,000 individuals currently waiting for those services. There is strong support for increasing the wages of care workers and easing the burden on family caregivers, all aimed at ensuring a dignified life for those receiving the services.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on fulfilling existing state obligations and ensuring the financing of services, based on the results of the National Audit Office's audit. It does not require new bills, but demands solutions and the finding of resources from the government to improve the accessibility of state services.
2 Speeches Analyzed