Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Inquiry Regarding the Spread of Poverty in Estonia (No. 757)
2025-06-09
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on immediately raising the subsistence benefit threshold from 200 euros to 250 euros to alleviate the financial hardship faced by families living in poverty. This position is value-based, emphasizing the necessity of helping the most vulnerable and preventing people from falling into the poverty trap. This increase is considered essential due to the 40% rise in food prices that has occurred over the last two years.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the mechanisms of social welfare and subsistence benefits, utilizing the technical terms "subsistence minimum" and "needs-based support." Specific data is presented (a 40% rise in food prices, 6 million euros in costs per half-year), along with a detailed example of how the benefit is calculated for a four-member family. It is emphasized that raising the subsistence minimum via the supplementary budget is consistent with previous practice (2022).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and forceful, emphasizing the need for immediate action because the situation is "extremely urgent" and "cannot wait." A balanced approach is employed, combining emotional appeals (the poverty trap, families in distress) with concrete data and statistical examples (budgetary expenditure, the size of the family allowance). The speaker maintains a formal tone, addressing the Presiding Officer and the Prime Minister with respect.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is linked to sittings of the Riigikogu, involving the submission of interpellations and the defence of supplementary budget amendments. Specifically, this refers to the amendment proposed by the Social Democrats during the supplementary budget proceedings to raise the subsistence level.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the governing coalition and the prime minister, criticizing their priorities, which focus on abolishing the tax hump and introducing the car tax while neglecting the poorest citizens. The criticism is political because the government is postponing the discussion on raising benefits until the 2026 budget debate, despite the fact that the situation demands an immediate solution. This constitutes an appeal to the Reform Party's ideological promises to help those who are genuinely struggling.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the unified action of their party (the Social Democrats) in submitting the proposed amendment. Openness to compromise regarding the effective date is expressed, proposing that the amendment enter into force on September 1, 2025, instead of January 1, 2026. Finally, hope is expressed for the coalition's support for the amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the nationwide subsistence benefit system and the prevalence of poverty in Estonia. There are no references to specific regions, local projects, or international topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize social redistribution and the immediate scaling up of needs-based support to mitigate inflation. They favor targeted government spending (estimated cost of 6 million euros per half-year) to assist the most vulnerable. The tax policy is criticized for offering little assistance to those who do not own a car or who receive only symbolic benefits from the abolition of the tax hump.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the spread of poverty and social welfare, particularly the inadequacy of subsistence benefits for families with children, single parents, and elderly people living alone. Economic difficulties are emphasized, stemming from the sharp rise in food and heating prices, especially in light of the approaching heating season.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward initiating and supporting an amendment to the supplementary budget, aimed at raising the subsistence level to 250 euros. It is emphasized that this is a critically important legislative measure that must be adopted immediately, citing the 2022 precedent.
2 Speeches Analyzed