Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof

Strong support is expressed for amending the Cultural Endowment of Estonia Act, the aim of which is to improve the social guarantees of freelance creative professionals by converting grants into employment income that ensures social security coverage. Furthermore, there is support for establishing a mechanism that would allow for the expedited funding of additional nationally important cultural infrastructure projects, while simultaneously stressing the necessity of adhering to the established priority list. The political focus is clearly policy- and value-driven, concentrating on the sustainability and social protection of the cultural sector.

Demonstrates profound expertise regarding the funding schemes of the Cultural Endowment, the collection and distribution of gambling tax revenue, utilizing precise percentages (3.8% and 2%) and financial forecasts. They are well-versed in social security regulations (specifically contracts of mandate and the minimum social tax obligation) and healthcare statistics, highlighting the problem of 5% of residents lacking health insurance coverage. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge concerning the legislative drafting process and stakeholder feedback.

The style is predominantly formal, detailed, and explanatory, especially when presenting the content and procedure of the draft law, relying on logical arguments and data. When responding to questions, the speaker is defensive and clarifying, refuting misconceptions. In one speech, a passionate and emotional statement of support is included for the construction of a new opera and ballet hall, quoting the General Director of the Estonian National Opera and linking culture to national security.

They presented the draft legislation in the Riigikogu and answered questions, which points to active involvement in the legislative process. They repeatedly mentioned the sittings of the Culture Committee (January 23, February 13, and February 19) and the involvement of stakeholders.

He indirectly opposes those who believe the bill takes money away from other cultural sectors, refuting these misconceptions. In one response, he directly criticizes the previous speaker, stating that the speaker "has not grasped the intent of the bill," which suggests slight irritation or disappointment regarding the misinterpretation of the bill's content.

The text emphasizes cooperation within the Culture Committee, referring to the process of handling the draft bill as a "joint decision" and noting Tõnis Lukas's involvement in the committee. The involvement of stakeholders and the consideration of their feedback are also crucial; this process led to clarifications being issued concerning the autonomy of the endowments and the definition of the legal concepts used. An additional clause in the draft bill mandates the Culture Committee's approval when decisions are made regarding the funding of a new project.

The primary focus is at the national level (the Cultural Endowment, social protection for freelancers). Specific cultural buildings of national importance are mentioned, such as the ERR building and the delay of the Narva project. The second speech focuses on Tallinn's cultural prominence as the capital city and Estonia's international influence.

Supports targeted state intervention aimed at solving social problems within the cultural sector. It finds that the additional costs required to ensure social protection (social and income tax) must be covered by already implemented tax increases (gambling tax, excises), thereby supporting the redirection of taxes to guarantee social security.

Strong support for ensuring social guarantees for freelance creative professionals, addressing their livelihood issues by replacing the existing creative work allowance with a creative work salary that provides comprehensive social protection. Furthermore, we express firm support for universal health insurance for all residents of Estonia, deeming this crucial from the perspective of public health and overall costs.

The main priority is the adoption of Draft Act 338, which amends the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act. The objectives of the draft act are to increase the flexibility of financing cultural buildings and to restructure creative work allowances into creative work remuneration that provides social protection. We are an active supporter and rapporteur of the draft act, emphasizing that the amendments will not reduce the volume of stipends.