Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position focuses strongly on the immediate implementation of social measures, particularly raising the subsistence level from 200 euros to 250 euros and resolving the issue of kindergarten placement fees. The stance is value-based and emphasizes the urgent need to help the most vulnerable to prevent people from falling into the poverty trap. The use of the supplementary budget for social aid is justified by the 2022 precedent, stressing that this decision cannot be delayed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of social welfare mechanisms and budget calculations, particularly concerning subsistence benefits. Specific data is presented, such as the 40% increase in food prices, the estimated cost of the change (6 million euros over half a year), and detailed examples illustrating the benefit's impact on a four-person family. Reference is also made to the legislative history and its regional political significance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is insistent and serious, emphasizing the critical situation caused by inflation and the need for immediate action. Emotional appeals (the poverty trap, those in need) are balanced by strong logical and data-driven arguments, presenting specific calculations and cost forecasts. The speaker maintains a formal tone while simultaneously demanding transparency regarding the votes taken in the committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches indicate active involvement in the legislative process, as evidenced by the individual being both the proposer and supporter of two Social Democratic amendments to the draft supplementary budget. Furthermore, transparency is demanded regarding the results of the votes and the recorded voting that occurred in the Finance Committee. The focus of the action is the amendment of a specific piece of legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, which is being criticized for postponing necessary social assistance, citing the prime minister's stance that this is a matter for the 2026 budget. The criticism is policy- and value-based, calling into question the Reform Party’s consistency in prioritizing needs-based support. The opposition is moderate, focusing on political inaction.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to compromise, proposing the postponement of the effective date for raising the subsistence level until September 1st, instead of July 1st. A clear hope and desire for coalition support is expressed, aiming to jointly ease the lives of those who are struggling. The cooperation style is pragmatic and goal-oriented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is linked to the proposal to amend the kindergarten place fee, emphasizing its significance for regional policy and equal treatment for all children across Estonia. Saaremaa, Ida-Virumaa, and Central Estonia are specifically mentioned, highlighting regional equality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports redistribution and increased social spending to mitigate economic difficulties caused by inflation, particularly due to the rise in food prices. A supplementary budget is viewed as an essential instrument for providing needs-based support to the most vulnerable and preventing poverty. The focus is on social security and ensuring livelihoods.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues include alleviating poverty, supporting people's subsistence, and assisting families with children, particularly those headed by single parents or those where people have lost their jobs. It is stressed that inequality provides fertile ground for social problems to worsen, and increasing the subsistence benefit is critically important.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft law for the State's 2025 supplementary budget (Bill 651 SE), to which the speaker has submitted two amendments proposed by the Social Democrats. The objective is to initiate and support these changes to ensure the immediate raising of the subsistence level and the regulation of kindergarten placement fees. We aim to ensure that these social measures take effect no later than September 1st.
3 Speeches Analyzed