Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-17
Political Position
The political focus is currently on the future of small schools and changes to the education system that could lead to closures. The speaker voiced concerned opposition to these closures, stressing that these schools are doing excellent work in terms of content and quality. This stance is strongly value-driven, centered on the needs of children who require a smaller setting and for whom inclusive education is not appropriate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education policy, particularly concerning the management of small schools and the implementation of inclusive education. They use specific terminology, such as "inclusive education," and stress the necessity for in-depth analysis when evaluating the quality of school operations. This knowledge is substantiated by a local example involving the Ämmuste School in Viljandimaa County.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is interrogative and concerned, yet polite (addressing the esteemed presiding officer and the minister). The speaker balances a logical demand (for substantive analysis) with personal knowledge (citing the example of Ämmuste School in Viljandi County) to highlight the excellent work being done by the schools. The style is formal and focuses on concrete facts and procedural matters.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active and persistent, noting that this same concern was already under discussion in the Social Democratic Party faction over a month ago. This demonstrates the systematic way the topic is being raised, both at the faction level and during the plenary session, as they address the issues brought up by parents.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the minister’s/government’s plan concerning the improvement of school management, arguing that it actually masks the objective of closing schools. The criticism is policy-driven, calling into question the true purpose of the plans and demanding evidence in the form of substantive analysis to justify the proposed changes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is clearly evident within the faction, as the speaker indicates that the questions arose following a discussion within the Social Democratic Party faction. The faction addressed the concerns of parents and invited the minister to provide answers. Data concerning cross-party cooperation is lacking.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker is focusing on regional issues, highlighting the specific situation in Viljandimaa County and Ämmuste School to support their argument regarding the quality of work in small schools. This underscores the representation of local-level concerns and personal, firsthand knowledge of the developments in the area.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social topic revolves around the organization of education, where the speaker advocates for children's need for small, specialized learning environments. He/She questions the universal suitability of inclusive education for all children and emphasizes that educational policy must take into account the specific needs of every child.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on scrutinizing the ministry's administrative decisions and planned changes (school closures/governance) and demanding justification for them. The speaker acts more as a challenger and interrogator, demanding substantive analysis before taking any further steps.
1 Speeches Analyzed