Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political focus is on social issues and poverty alleviation, particularly raising the subsistence level and resolving the special care crisis. These positions are strongly policy-driven, emphasizing the state's obligation to guarantee human rights and the accessibility of services. Criticism is aimed at the government's inaction and its choice of priorities, viewing the situation as urgent and one that brooks no delay.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High level of expertise in the field of social welfare, particularly regarding the subsistence minimum and special care services. Uses specific statistical data (e.g., minimum living standard of 345.80 euros, child maintenance cost of 565 euros) to support arguments, and refers to legal provisions and analyses conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Demonstrates knowledge of the shortage of service places and the length of waiting lists within special care.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and critical, emphasizing human suffering and the severity of the situation facing those in need. Both logical arguments (data, the length of waiting lists) and emotional appeals are employed, referencing the demonstration on Toompea and the issue of wage poverty. The government's inaction is sharply criticized, with accusations that it is merely engaging in election campaigning.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Shows active participation in the work of the Riigikogu, presenting both a draft resolution to raise the subsistence level and an interpellation to the Minister of Social Affairs regarding the special care crisis. Participation in the work of the Social Affairs Committee and involvement in drafting amendments to the supplementary budget are also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Government of the Republic and Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller. The government is criticized for its inaction (missing the opportunity for a supplementary budget) and for neglecting state obligations in special welfare, thereby shifting the burden onto local governments and families. The government’s labeling of the budget as a "prosperity budget" is viewed as an election campaign at a time when those in need are protesting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
They are actively seeking broad-based support for their initiatives, urging all their parliamentary colleagues in the Riigikogu to back the decision to raise the subsistence level. Specific cooperation partners among the factions were not named, but the necessity of unified support was stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national socio-political issues and legislation that affect all residents of Estonia. There is no regional or local emphasis in the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
They favor social redistribution and increased state spending aimed at poverty alleviation, demanding a significant increase in the subsistence minimum to 300 euros. They strongly support a pay raise for social sector workers, highlighting concerns regarding low-wage poverty and excessive workload. They believe the state must ensure the accessibility of services by preventing underfunding.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on social welfare and the support of vulnerable groups, including improving the livelihood of families with children and ensuring the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. It emphasizes the state's obligation to guarantee the availability of specialized care services and a decent wage for support workers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are initiating a draft decision of the Riigikogu to raise the subsistence minimum to 300 euros, and exercising parliamentary oversight to resolve the special welfare crisis through an interpellation. The Speaker is taking the role of initiator and leader in addressing social issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed