Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Inquiry Regarding the Pihlakodu Case and the Safety of Care Homes (no. 750)
2025-06-03
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
Political Position
The political stance is heavily focused on ensuring the safety, dignity, and respect of residents in care homes, criticizing the system's failure and the insufficient response from the Prosecutor's Office regarding the Pihlakodu case. Furthermore, concern is raised about the underfunding of the social sector, and clarification is sought regarding the ambiguous wording of the care reform point within the coalition agreement. The political focus is strongly value- and results-driven, demanding accountability and systemic improvement.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The politician demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the social welfare sector, particularly concerning the implementation of the care reform, the calculation of client contributions, and the financing mechanisms for services. Technical terms are employed, such as "compensation of the self-contribution up to the level of the average pension," and references are made to specific sections of the Social Welfare Act and analyses conducted by the Social Insurance Board. The expertise also encompasses knowledge regarding issues related to sharing data about convicted individuals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is formal, serious, and demanding, emphasizing the shocking nature of the Pihlakodu case and its impact on the system’s trustworthiness. The rhetoric balances emotional appeals (safety, dignity, the concerns of loved ones) with detailed policy analysis, particularly regarding the wording of the coalition agreement and draft legislation. The speaker presents themselves as a persistent questioner who expects answers and clarifications.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician is an active filer of parliamentary queries, specifically referencing Query No. 750, which was submitted on April 14. They stressed the urgent need for action and responses, given that almost two months have elapsed. These patterns of activity demonstrate consistent follow-up on the issue and scrutiny of the government's work.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the actions of the Prosecutor's Office, as it downplayed the victims' experiences and found no grounds for initiating proceedings against the institution. The government and the coalition are also indirectly criticized for the ambiguous wording concerning the care reform, which is causing confusion and concern within the social welfare sector. The criticism is primarily procedural and political, not personal.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The politician stresses the necessity for closer and more systematic cooperation between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Justice in order to resolve the issue of accessing data on convicted individuals. A debate and clarifications are also anticipated within the Social Affairs Committee, signaling an openness to further discussions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national and systemic, addressing issues concerning the security of care homes and the implementation of the national care reform, which affects local governments and state services. Specific regional projects or communities are not emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the fairness of financing the social sector, criticizing the underfunding of services while simultaneously expressing opposition to the state subsidizing excessive profits made by private care homes. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of curbing price increases and ensuring that the service fee reflects the quality of the service provided, rather than aiming for a rapid return on investment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core social issue revolves around the safety of residents and preventing abuse in care homes, stressing that dignity is an elemental right. The politician is demanding that abusers face fair and severe punishment—specifically, "jail time"—rather than just being fired, in order to restore public trust in the system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at enhancing the supervision of the welfare system and improving legal clarity during the implementation of the care reform, particularly concerning the assessment obligations placed on local municipalities. The politician has taken the role of the initiator (through a formal query/interpellation) and is demanding explanations from the government regarding how the substance of the relevant point in the coalition agreement is being fulfilled.
4 Speeches Analyzed