Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Inquiry regarding the social welfare reform (no 720)
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the social welfare reform, emphasizing its initial achievements (reduced co-payment, improved accessibility). Criticism is aimed at the bottlenecks in the reform’s implementation, especially the price surge for nursing home places, the control of which requires local governments to organize tenders. The position is strongly results-oriented and values-based, stressing the improved well-being of the elderly.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in the field of social welfare and elderly care, utilizing detailed statistical data (e.g., a 12.8% rise in service fees, a reduction of 1,400 informal caregivers) and financial metrics (equalization fund allocations totaling 66.8 million euros). Reference is made to reports from the National Audit Office and the Social Insurance Board to substantiate the outcomes and deficiencies of the reform. Specific attention is drawn to the understanding of local government roles in organizing procurements and exercising supervision.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an analytical and detailed style, relying heavily on figures and audits, but also includes emotional and value-based appeals regarding the necessity of supporting the elderly. The tone is generally constructive, though critical of those who deem the reform a failure, calling for cross-party cooperation. Figurative language is employed, noting that old age, poverty, and the informal caregiver predominantly bear a woman's face.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the interpellation concerning the social welfare reform, stressing that the issue is highly important and requires continuous attention. Future actions are referenced, including the conclusions of the National Audit Office's audit and the plan for legislative amendments scheduled for the autumn of 2026.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at those political parties who deem the reform a failure and express this with gloating or mockery, rather than focusing on how to fix it. Procedural criticism is directed at local governments that fail to organize tenders, thereby allowing the price hike to continue. Satisfaction is expressed that the talk of slowing down pension increases—a topic that arose while the Social Democrats were in government—has finally ceased.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges cross-party efforts and cooperation to improve the social care reform, emphasizing that the well-being of the elderly must be everyone's shared concern. The interpellators are thanked for bringing this topic to the floor of this chamber, and the observations made by the National Audit Office are acknowledged as valuable guidelines.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on local authorities (LAs), specifically their role in service provision, compensation, and oversight. It is stressed that LAs should either provide the service themselves or organize tenders/procurements to keep prices in check. Reference is also made to the Finnish practice concerning the organization of procurements.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports increased public sector expenditure on social welfare (referencing the additional funds allocated through the equalization fund and income tax) and emphasizes the need to continue indexing pensions until 2027 to mitigate the rising cost of living. It is critical of the private sector-driven surge in care home service prices, demanding intervention by local authorities (LOAs) to regulate prices through procurement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the well-being of the elderly and the accessibility of general care services, emphasizing that ensuring their better quality of life is the state's obligation. Support for informal caregivers is stressed, noting that caregiving often has "a woman's face," along with the necessity of developing community-based care services above all else.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the process of implementing and improving the social welfare reform. The results of the National Audit Office’s audit are anticipated, based on which the necessary amendments to the laws are planned for the autumn of 2026. Emphasis is placed on the obligation for community care, as stipulated by the Social Welfare Act.
3 Speeches Analyzed