Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Develop the Procedure for Paying an Additional Annual Lump-Sum Pension Supplement to Pensioners" (678 OE)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position leans heavily toward social welfare, supporting measures designed to improve the financial situation of the elderly, such as a one-off pension supplement. The speaker stresses that any measure aimed at assisting the elderly is welcome and appreciated. A crucial principle here is the non-penalization of work, maintaining that working pensioners must also be eligible for support. Support for the proposed bill is strong.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of the social security and pension system, distinguishing existing benefits (such as the single-living pensioner's allowance) from the new draft bill. Specific data is used to support the arguments, referencing, for example, the Social Insurance Board's yearbook and the number of recipients of the Riigikogu member pension (212 people). The speaker is also aware of the role of working pensioners in the social welfare, healthcare, and education sectors.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is factual and explanatory, but becomes corrective and defensive if it senses that its positions have been taken out of context. It employs both logical argumentation (explaining the specifics of the law) and value-based appeal (avoiding the penalization of employment). It addresses the presiding officer, the rapporteur, and the public directly (written by the Madam).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu debates and committee work, referencing a previous discussion held by the committee. This approach involves responding both to questions from colleagues (Anti Allas) and to the public's concerns (specifically, a lady following the proceedings via video link), to whom he provides assurances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed primarily at colleagues who are distorting his previous positions, particularly concerning the phrase ripped out of context by Signe Riisalo. The speaker criticizes the misrepresentation of his position and demands that the context must not be distorted. The criticism is directed at rhetorical dishonesty, not the substance of the policy itself.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is open to answering questions and addressing colleagues’ concerns, such as by clarifying Anti Allas’s question. He/She thanks Signe Riisalo for her kind words, even if he/she subsequently needs to correct the context she presented. He/She is prepared to acknowledge the public concerns that have emerged during the course of the discussion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on social support and the valuation of labor, stressing that working past retirement age should not be penalized. It points to the critical role of working retirees in the social welfare, healthcare, and education sectors, demonstrating a certain alignment with labor concerns. It supports social redistribution aimed at improving the financial security of the elderly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political focus is heavily directed toward improving the well-being of the elderly and ensuring social security. It is specifically emphasized that many working pensioners do so due to financial hardship and are vital to society. The policy supports the introduction of additional social welfare measures that help the elderly manage better.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting Draft Bill 678 OE, which addresses the payment of an additional one-time pension supplement to retirees. It is also crucial to confirm the inviolability of existing social benefits (such as the allowance for pensioners living alone) to alleviate public fear regarding the potential loss of these benefits.
2 Speeches Analyzed