Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
Open mic
2025-09-23
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance heavily focuses on the special care crisis, which stems from national underfunding. The speaker urgently demands a 40% increase in the funding for these services and the allocation of necessary resources to eliminate waiting lists. The position is framed both on a values basis (the service is a human right and a necessity) and a results basis (the threat of system collapse). Resolving the crisis is considered an immediate priority during the budget proceedings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of special welfare services, citing specific data regarding the coverage of service provision costs (the state covers 60%) and the demand for the service (6,000 users, 1,000 waiting in line). This knowledge is based directly on a press release from the Association of Special Care Service Providers and a recent report by the National Audit Office. Technical terms such as "activity supervisor" and "wage poverty" are used.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and pressing, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the crisis that has led service providers to consider terminating their operations. The speaker uses a balanced mix of emotional (suffering, worry about the future) and logical appeals, extensively quoting the press release to provide evidence of the situation. The tone is concerned and demanding, calling on colleagues to act swiftly.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered in the Riigikogu during the "Free Microphone" session, in response to a press release issued that same morning. The speaker highlights the upcoming public gathering scheduled for September 25th in Toompea Castle Square, demonstrating a readiness to respond to activism within the social sector. This approach is responsive and timely.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Government of the Republic and the state for the long-term underfunding of specialized social care. The criticism is political and economic in nature, also accusing the government of the negative impact that recent tax hikes (VAT, car tax) have had on service providers. The intensity of the criticism is high, pointing to the danger of the system collapsing.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses hope that during the budget proceedings, all colleagues will agree that the problem requires a swift resolution. This points to a desire to achieve broad consensus in the Riigikogu on resolving the social crisis. Cooperation is also being sought with the association of service providers, whose positions will be presented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, covering the status of special welfare services across Estonia and the service needs of nearly 6,000 individuals. A public meeting is mentioned in Tallinn at Toompea Castle Square, which is related to influencing national policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes the recent tax hikes (VAT, car tax), arguing that they significantly undermine the financial stability of social services. They advocate for a substantial increase in state spending (a 40% rise in funding) and finding the necessary resources to ensure support workers receive a decent wage and to eradicate wage poverty. Social stability is prioritized over fiscal discipline.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the accessibility and quality of specialized care for individuals facing mental health challenges, underscoring that this is both a vital necessity and a fundamental human right. Attention is also drawn to the difficult plight of family members bearing the caregiving burden, who are unable to maintain employment because these essential services are unavailable. Furthermore, the issue of low wages (or in-work poverty) affecting social sector employees is stressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on the state budget proceedings, where a 40% increase in the funding for special welfare services is being demanded. The goal is to find the necessary funds and resources to eliminate the ever-growing waiting list for the service and prevent service providers from shutting down. The speaker is acting as a proponent, pressuring for the budget to be amended.
1 Speeches Analyzed