Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political focus centers on social issues, particularly the insufficient allocation of funds for specialized welfare services and disability benefits. The speaker supports draft legislation aimed at alleviating the burden on local municipalities and farmers, citing examples like the organization of school meals. Criticism is leveled against the government's actions, which are deemed ineffective and insufficient in addressing social problems.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the social sector, particularly regarding special welfare services and disability benefits. Specific data and statistics are utilized, such as 53-month waiting lists, a gross salary of 1,200 euros, and precise benefit amounts (e.g., an increase of 91 cents or 16 euros). The exclusion of recipients of moderate disability benefits and elderly disability benefit recipients from the benefit increase is highlighted separately.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and interrogative, focusing on details and procedures. The tone is concerned and demanding, particularly when highlighting the injustice surrounding social issues (special needs care, disability benefits). It employs logical appeals, relying on specific numbers and facts to dispute government claims.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active in the plenary sessions on two consecutive days (October 8 and 9), posing questions to ministers and rapporteurs. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on the Social Affairs Committee and topics related to the legislative procedure.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the actions of the Reform Party and the Prime Minister, criticizing their alleged reliance solely on certain entrepreneurs and their inability to engage in broad-based discussion. Furthermore, the government's claims regarding the increase in disability benefits are being challenged, with specific excluded groups being pointed out. The criticism is primarily policy- and procedure-based.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of involving various stakeholders in the legislative process, such as merchants, entrepreneurs, and the Chamber of Disabled People. The approach is open to cooperation but demands procedural fairness and a broad-based discussion to ensure the debate is improved and more productive. This refers to the procedure concerning the bill initiated by the Centre Party.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on local governments and easing their obligations, especially concerning the provision of school meals and the costs associated with special welfare services. Support for farmers and entrepreneurs who establish shops in rural areas is also mentioned. Emphasis is placed on the situation of municipalities that have taken the state to court over the costs of special welfare services.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on the situation of low-wage earners (special care workers), noting that a gross salary of 1,200 euros is insufficient and that the abolition of the tax hump will not help them. [The views] support measures that ease the economic situation of local governments and the agricultural sector. The government is criticized for trusting and listening only to certain entrepreneurs.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the crisis in specialized welfare services is front and center, characterized by extremely long waiting lists (up to 53 months) and low staff wages. Emphasis is also placed on the unequal increase in disability benefits, specifically highlighting the exclusion of children with moderate disabilities, working-age individuals, and elderly recipients of disability benefits from the recent rise.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on social sector bills and laws designed to alleviate the burden on local municipalities. The speaker is actively involved in procedural matters, particularly regarding the draft bill on disability benefits initiated by the Centre Party, emphasizing the need to involve the Chamber of Disabled People and other stakeholders.
5 Speeches Analyzed