Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-15
Political Position
The political position is geared towards improving social welfare and supporting those in need. Although the positive changes in the draft bill are welcomed, the focus remains heavily on the existing concerns. The speaker sharply criticizes the shortcomings in the text of the draft legislation, especially the exclusion of the savings threshold for subsistence benefits (two subsistence levels) from the law's wording, considering this to be contrary to the principle of legality. Additionally, the lack of services for the visually impaired (audio description) in the draft is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in social welfare legislation and the field of subsistence benefits, referencing specific sections, pages of the explanatory notes, and previous Supreme Court rulings. He/She utilizes specific data (e.g., 440 euros, 770 euros) and technical terminology (audio description, subsistence level) and highlights his/her long-standing experience as a member and chair of the Social Affairs Committee. This expertise also extends to the specifics of social services, such as funeral expenses and the treatment of bank savings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, centering on logical and legal arguments, often citing specific articles of the constitution. The tone is anxious and urgent, particularly concerning the flawed wording of the legislation and the inadequate limit set for savings. Emotional examples are employed, such as references to "coffin money" (savings for funeral expenses) and the act of gifting piggy banks to children. The speaker aims to persuade the audience of the necessity of correcting both the procedural and substantive errors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, participating in the first reading of bills and posing detailed questions to the minister. The patterns of activity indicate thorough preparatory work, including the collection of practical data (calling four funeral homes) and active participation in the work of the Social Affairs Committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the drafters of the bill (the ministry) due to the inadequacy of the legal text and the establishment of insufficient social norms. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, emphasizing that the draft law violates the principles of legality and creates problems for local governments when interpreting the law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker respectfully addresses their colleagues and the Minister, welcoming the positive changes in the draft bill and demonstrating a readiness for constructive discussion. However, their primary objective is to highlight the deficiencies and call for amendments, noting the difficulties in submitting proposed changes when the necessary provision is missing from the text of the law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the Social Welfare Act and the state funding of the subsistence benefit, which is administered by local authorities. Regional specificity is not emphasized, although the role of local governments (LGUs) is mentioned regarding the disbursement of the benefit and the setting of maximum limits for housing costs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of adequate social subsistence and state financial assistance for those experiencing hardship. The speaker criticizes the low savings threshold (€440), arguing that it runs counter to the objective of encouraging saving. Furthermore, they emphasize that the inadequate protection afforded to these savings compels people to withdraw their money from the bank.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary focus is on social welfare and ensuring the livelihood of people with special needs (the visually impaired, the elderly). The speaker emphasizes the need to include audio description services for the visually impaired in the legislation and to guarantee sufficient protection of savings for recipients of subsistence benefits, in order to prevent social vulnerability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Social Welfare Act (Draft 732). The speaker is a critical opponent who demands the inclusion of specific norms (the calculated sum of savings/assets) directly into the text of the law to ensure the principle of legality and prevent the law from being interpreted differently by local governments. He also emphasizes the need to fund and legally regulate the descriptive translation service.
3 Speeches Analyzed