Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
2025 Report by the Minister of Social Affairs on the Implementation of the National Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ activities in the field of special needs care, emphasizing the lack of service availability and the extremely long waiting lists. The approach is results-oriented, demanding concrete steps to improve the situation, although it is acknowledged that there is no quick fix. The speaker stresses that the current situation, where local governments are forced to demand services through the courts, is not a sensible solution.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in special care services and associated workforce issues, citing precise figures for waiting times (53 months) and the low gross salary level of employees (€1,200). Furthermore, they are aware of the draft legislation currently under review and the successful litigation brought by local governments against the state, which indicates a detailed understanding of the sector's specific bottlenecks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is pragmatic, concerned, and question-oriented, focusing on logical and data-driven arguments (waiting lists, salary figures). The speaker employs polite expressions ("Honorable Minister!"), but delivers the criticism sharply, demanding a concrete plan of action ("what is the next step in that direction?").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active observer of the social sector, having previously attended the minister’s briefing before the Social Affairs Committee. This indicates regular and systematic involvement in committee work and policy formation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the inaction of the state and the ministry in resolving the special needs care crisis, which has led to untenable situations where local municipalities are forced to seek justice through the courts. The opposition is policy- and procedure-based, highlighting the system's inefficiency and sluggishness.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is respectful, yet demanding, beginning with thanking the minister for the overview. The speaker is prepared to understand the complexity of the problem and acknowledges that not everything can be solved immediately, but demands a clear and concrete action plan from the government for moving forward.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is nationwide, addressing systemic issues within social services concerning the availability of specialized care and the relationship between the state and local governments in service provision. Specific regions are not highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic analyses are focusing on the necessity of raising the salary level for social sector employees, as their average gross wage stands at 1,200 euros. It is critically noted that general tax reforms, such as the elimination of the tax hump, do not offer sufficient relief for low-wage special care workers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The crisis in special care is front and center among social issues, emphasizing the lack of access to services—with a staggering 53-month waiting time—and the resulting care burden falling entirely on relatives. Another pressing topic is the inadequate pay for social sector employees and the urgent need to increase their salaries.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward monitoring the proceedings of the draft bill concerning special welfare services, which is presently underway. The aim is to ensure that the new legislation provides real solutions to the problems of waiting lists and funding.
1 Speeches Analyzed