Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-03
Political Position
A strong social democratic opposition stance, focusing on social justice and needs-based support. It urgently demands raising the subsistence minimum (to at least 300 euros), while criticizing the government's slow and inadequate response (220 euros is simply too little). The party stresses that budget priorities are fundamentally misplaced, favoring tax relief for the wealthy (those earning 4000+ euros) instead of resolving the crisis in the social sector.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise in the field of social welfare and social insurance, especially regarding the subsistence benefit and special welfare services. Uses specific data (absolute poverty line 345.80 EUR, growth of special welfare waiting lists 2018–2024, estimated cost of raising the subsistence benefit 12–13 million euros). Refers to the National Audit Office review and the Statistics Estonia methodology for the minimum living standard, demonstrating systemic awareness.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is passionate and concerned, yet attempts to remain measured and explanatory, relying on figures and facts. It expresses deep disappointment and a sense of lost hope regarding the failure of the opposition's proposed legislation, but stresses that dialogue and explanation must continue nonetheless. Emotional appeals are used, highlighting the difficult circumstances faced by single parents, the elderly, and informal caregivers, in order to underscore the critical nature of these topics.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active legislative initiator and interpellator, submitting Riigikogu Decision Draft 713 (concerning the subsistence level) and an interpellation regarding the underfunding of special welfare services. Actively participates in the work of the Social Affairs Committee and refers to the discussions held there and previous amendments proposed for the supplementary budget. Also mentions previous work at the social services agency and communication with social workers.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism directed at the government's and coalition's budget priorities, especially concerning the abolition of the tax hump, which offers tax gifts worth over 100 million euros to high earners (those making 4000+ euros). It criticizes the government for taking out loans to distribute subsidies to the wealthy, while crises in the social sector (special welfare services, the subsistence minimum) remain unresolved. It criticizes the Minister of Social Affairs for presenting plans that fail to address immediate problems.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls for cross-party cooperation, particularly concerning the most vulnerable, expressing hope that "we will finally join forces and accomplish these good things together, even while in opposition." The speaker commends Signe Riisalo's excellent work and attempts to explain their positions in a calm and measured way. They also hope that needs-based assistance will find backing among the coalition parties.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on national socio-political issues, such as the subsistence level and the availability of special welfare services throughout Estonia. It mentions the role of local municipalities (KOV) in processing benefits and transferring services, stressing that service availability is not uniform across Estonia. It also refers to the historical situation of special welfare institutions in Viljandi County.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The individual/group supports state intervention aimed at reducing social inequality and advocates for a substantial increase in needs-based assistance (the minimum subsistence benefit). They oppose tax breaks for high earners, deeming this an unfair priority, particularly given the lack of economic growth and the necessity of borrowing. They believe that raising the minimum subsistence level is economically sound because the money immediately flows back into the economy (to shops and for paying essential bills).
25 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus is placed on social issues, particularly the coping difficulties faced by the elderly, single parents, and people with disabilities. It highlights the crisis in specialized social care, the problem of long waiting lists, and the burnout experienced by informal caregivers. The text also raises the issue of the discontinuation of support for children's extracurricular activities and mental health problems, linking these concerns to the need for a unified government family policy.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are Riigikogu Draft Resolution 713 (raising the subsistence level to 300 euros) and an inquiry regarding the underfunding of specialized care. [The party/individual] supports bills designed to help the elderly (e.g., maintaining and increasing the allowance for pensioners living alone). Furthermore, the legislative issue concerning the registration of home births and the accessibility of healthcare services is also being raised.
25 Speeches Analyzed