Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the motor vehicle tax, which the speaker strongly opposes, stressing social justice and the unequal treatment of people with special needs. The political stance aims to correct flaws in the government's proposed bill and criticizes the inadequacy of social benefits. The speaker emphasizes that their party (the Social Democrats) has been against the car tax from the very beginning, thereby refuting the opposition's claims.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in social policy and the field of disability benefits, utilizing specific statistical data concerning benefit amounts and the number of people affected (e.g., an additional 91 cents, 20,074 individuals). They are well-versed in the details of the legislation, referencing previous appeals made by the Chancellor of Justice and specific proposals put forward by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People regarding targeted tax exemptions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical, concerned, and straightforward, especially when addressing social issues, utilizing both logical arguments and emotional appeals (e.g., referring to a 91-cent increase as insulting). The speaker maintains a formal tone, addressing the esteemed presiding officer and the minister, but simultaneously raises pointed questions and criticizes the procedural rushing. He/She quotes at length from an interest group's address to emphasize the basis of his/her viewpoints.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered during a single plenary session, indicating active participation in the ongoing debate, repeatedly posing questions and seeking clarifications from the minister. The speaker mentions participation in committees and debates (e.g., with the Minister of Justice), but there is no data available regarding other activities or patterns.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the minister, criticizing both the substance of the motor vehicle tax bill and the inadequacy of the socio-political measures proposed. The criticism is policy-based (focusing on the increase of inequality) and procedural (concerning the slow handling of the Chancellor of Justice’s proposals). The speaker sharply refutes the allegations made by opponents who have attempted to associate the Social Democrats with supporting the car tax.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acts as the advocate for the concerns and proposals of the Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities, citing their appeal and demanding that the specific needs of their target group be taken into account. Hope is expressed that, when dealing with proposed amendments, common ground will be found in the Riigikogu chamber, signaling an openness to compromise regarding the improvement of the law.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national laws and social policy, but the transportation needs of elderly disabled people living in sparsely populated areas are also highlighted, for whom a car is the only means of accessing a doctor. The distribution of tasks and tax revenue between the state and local governments is also addressed, while expressing concern over the increase in local government obligations.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic standpoints emphasize social justice and the reduction of inequality, calling for targeted tax exemptions specifically for people with disabilities. Concern has been raised that short-term financial savings (e.g., 30 million) will eventually result in greater healthcare costs and reduced access to treatment. There is support for a more equal and fairer distribution of responsibilities and tax revenue between the state and local municipalities.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are central to the profile, particularly the rights and livelihood of people with disabilities. There is a strong demand for target-group-specific tax relief for individuals with severe and profound disabilities, for whom a vehicle is an essential tool for participating in community life. Criticism is leveled at the increase in benefits, which has been marginal and insufficient for certain groups (e.g., working-age individuals with severe disabilities).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft legislation initiated by the Government of the Republic to amend the Motor Vehicle Tax Act. The speaker is an active opponent of this bill but supports amendments. The objective is to bring the law into compliance with the Constitution and introduce targeted tax exemptions for people with disabilities, who were not adequately considered in the original draft. The rapid pace at which these bills are being processed is also subject to criticism.
7 Speeches Analyzed