Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (636 SE) – first reading
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
Strong support for the Social Democrats' bill (636 SE), which grants an extra day off when a public holiday falls on a weekend. This stance is clearly value-based and centered on the interests of the working class, stressing the need for more breathing room, given that Estonians work the most hours in the European Union. The speaker emphasizes that the time is now ripe to finally legislate this long-standing proposal.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of work and rest time regulations in Europe, highlighting statistics on the number of public holidays and annual working hours within the EU. To support the argument, studies from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions are cited, along with the previous positions on economic impact held by Risto Kaarna, Lead Analyst of the Fiscal Policy Department at the Ministry of Finance. It is specifically emphasized that a correlation exists between shorter working hours, work productivity, and employee satisfaction.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is persuasive and well-reasoned, combining emotional appeals (health, family relationships, excessive overworking) with extensive statistical and comparative data. Formal language is employed, but figurative expressions are also included, such as the idea that people "make up for those days off." The criticism aimed at the government is sharp, accusing them of incompetence and failing to review the relevant studies.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches are taking place in the Riigikogu chamber as part of the first reading of a single agenda item (Draft Act 636 SE). The speaker refers to previous committee discussions (the 2020 Committee on Constitutional Affairs) and quotes the minutes, demonstrating thorough preparation and consistency in addressing the issue.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at government representatives, who are accused of unpreparedness and an inability to present evidence-based counterarguments to the draft bill. The speaker criticizes the government representative on the committee, who "couldn't properly answer a single question" and assessed the negative impact on entrepreneurs purely speculatively. Furthermore, the government is criticized for failing to review existing European studies concerning the impact of working hours and rest periods.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the cross-party support, noting that the idea of an additional day off has been backed not only by the Social Democrats but also by the Centre Party and EKRE. This points to a desire to form a broad-based coalition in support of the social bill. Furthermore, reference is made to the previously supportive position taken by an analyst from the Ministry of Finance, which demonstrates a readiness to rely on the expert opinions of civil servants.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level (aggregate accounting of Estonian working hours) and on international comparison (EU countries, Finland, Latvia). Examples of the geographical separation of family members (Tallinn vs. Räpina) are mentioned to highlight the social benefits of longer holidays, but there is no specific regional policy focus.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports reduced working hours, believing that it boosts motivation and productivity rather than threatening the economy. The economic impact is viewed positively, as longer weekends stimulate consumption, particularly in retail, catering, and tourism. Reference is made to analysts who confirmed that there is no direct correlation between GDP and working hours, and that the impact is minimized when days off are added to the existing weekend.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong emphasis is placed on social and health issues, particularly work-life balance and mental well-being. It is argued that additional vacation time helps improve family relationships and provides an opportunity to connect with family, contrasting the excessive overworking of "Estonians with a Lutheran work ethic," which is detrimental to their health.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is the adoption of the draft act amending the Holidays and Commemorative Dates Act (636 SE), the purpose of which is to compensate for public holidays that fall on a weekend. The speaker is the initiator and a strong supporter, emphasizing that this regulation would provide certainty for both schools and entrepreneurs that the number of days off will be exactly the same every year.
14 Speeches Analyzed