Session Profile: Helmen Kütt

The political focus is heavily directed towards crises in the social sector, particularly the underfunding of special care services, demanding a 40% budget increase. The speaker criticizes the government's procedural conduct, calling on the Prime Minister to initiate broader cross-party consultation to discuss the state of the country. Concern is also voiced regarding the financial risks associated with international agreements (specifically the Swedish prison service) and the protection of citizens' rights concerning data requests. The political framework is strongly policy- and value-driven, emphasizing human rights and urgent social necessity.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of special welfare, highlighting specific data points (60% funding, 6,000 service users, 1,000 people waiting) and referencing the service providers' association press release and the State Audit Office report. Furthermore, knowledge is evident regarding the procedural integrity of inquiries from law enforcement agencies (the Police, the Tax and Customs Board) and issues concerning the availability of healthcare services related to the prison service contract.

The tone is predominantly serious, concerned, and urgent, especially when describing the crisis in the social sector, where emotional appeals are used (worry and suffering are at their breaking point). When addressing the government, the style is direct and demanding, focusing on highlighting risks and negative consequences while requiring honesty and transparency. The speaker uses both data (special care funding percentages) and references to public actions (the rally on September 25th).

The speaker actively participated in the Riigikogu plenary session, posing questions to both the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, and delivering an extended address concerning special welfare services. They referenced the press release issued by the association of social service providers and a public assembly held in Toompea Castle Square, demonstrating their involvement with activism in this field.

The criticism is aimed at the government's actions and procedures, and is primarily procedural and policy-based. The Prime Minister is criticized for avoiding cross-party consultation, which is unacceptable when making key decisions. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Interior's administrative area is criticized for insufficient transparency when handling data requests, which generates public insecurity and suspicion.

The speaker is a strong advocate for expanding cross-party cooperation, calling on the Prime Minister to convene the leaders of all parties represented in the Riigikogu to jointly discuss the situation. He emphasizes that the 101 members of parliament were elected by the people of Estonia and that collaborative decision-making is necessary to solve the problems.

The focus is mainly on national social policy and security issues. The only specific regional reference is the Tartu University Hospital Clinical Center, concerning the provision of healthcare services to inmates, but this falls within the context of a national prison service agreement.

The speaker is critical of recent tax hikes (VAT, car tax, electricity price increases), arguing that they have worsened the financial situation of special care services. He/She is demanding substantial additional funding (40%) from the state for the social sector to cover the costs of service provision. Furthermore, a warning was issued regarding potentially higher future costs associated with the Swedish prison service contract, which could exceed the 30 million euro revenue generated.

The social sector is the speaker's main priority, focusing on the crisis in specialized care for people with mental health problems, emphasizing the essential nature of the service and its status as a human right. They draw attention to the wage poverty and excessive workload of social sector employees. Additionally, the need to guarantee citizens' rights and transparency regarding data requests by state institutions is stressed, in order to prevent the emergence of insecurity.

The main legislative priority is increasing the funding for special welfare services by 40% in the upcoming fiscal year to prevent a crisis in service provision and eliminate the growing waiting list. The speaker hopes that a swift solution to this problem will be found during the budget proceedings. Also in focus is ensuring a pay raise for workers in the social sector.