Session Profile: Helmen Kütt
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
2025-06-02
Political Position
The political focus is on the social sector, particularly ensuring the safety and accountability of care homes (the Pihlakodu case). The speaker strongly criticizes systemic shortcomings and demands funding for critical IT systems (SKAIS). Concern is also expressed regarding the ambiguity of points in the coalition agreement and their potential negative impact on the care reform. The political framework is strongly value-based, emphasizing dignity and security.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of social welfare, detailing the funding needs of SKAIS (25–30 million euros), the bureaucracy and legal aspects of the care reform (e.g., the assessment obligation). Specific questions were also raised regarding youth work qualifications (Level 5) and the restructuring of the school network taking place under the purview of the Ministry of Education and Research. Technical terms such as "subsistence level" and "case-by-case approach" are used.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and critical, particularly regarding security in the social sector, employing both emotional arguments (dignity, respect) and logical ones (the number of deficiencies, the need for funding). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of swift action and restoring the system's credibility, going so far as to demand the incarceration of the perpetrators.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in structured legislative activity, referencing the parliamentary inquiry concerning the Pihlakodu case, which was submitted by 12 social democrats on April 14th. The pattern of activity indicates a consistent demand for answers and action only after the events were disclosed and time had elapsed.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the deficiencies in the social welfare system, the inaction of the prosecutor's office, or the minimization of the victims' suffering, and the lack of accountability on the part of the nursing home management. The criticism is intense and demands fair punishment (imprisonment) for those who committed the crimes, not just dismissal from their jobs. Furthermore, the vague wording of the coalition agreement concerning the care reform is also being criticized.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the need for closer cooperation between the ministries (the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Justice), particularly concerning the acquisition of data regarding convicted individuals for employment in the social sector. Reference is also made to cross-factional cooperation in submitting the interpellation (12 Social Democrats).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national systems and policies (the care reform, SKAIS, and the reorganization of the school network). Specific regional projects or local municipalities are highlighted only in relation to the administrative burden associated with the care reform.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The increase in funding for the social sector (SKAIS, subsistence level) is supported, while the high fees charged by private care homes are sharply criticized. These fees fail to ensure quality or high wages, serving instead to generate rapid profit. There is a recognized need for mechanisms to control price hikes or for price recommendations, ensuring that the state is not forced to cover the profits of private operators.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main topics are social security, the dignity of clients in care, and the prevention of mistreatment in welfare institutions. Emphasis is placed on the underfunding of the social sector and the necessity of ensuring the accessibility and quality of services. Regarding education, the discussion addresses qualification requirements for youth work and the reorganization of the school network (Maarjamaa State School).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on submitting interpellations and monitoring the implementation of existing legislation (the Social Welfare Act). The priority is restoring the system's credibility, demanding amendments to laws in the justice and social sectors (e.g., the availability of criminal record data), and clarifying the ambiguous points of the care reform.
9 Speeches Analyzed