By Agendas: Heljo Pikhof

Total Agendas: 44

Fully Profiled: 44

All Categories Political Position Topic Expertise Rhetorical Style Activity Patterns Opposition Stance Collaboration Style Regional Focus Economic Views Social Issues Legislative Focus
2025-10-06
Interpellation concerning the transfer of Swedish criminals to Estonia (No. 803)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The primary conflict is with the government and the Minister of the Interior, who stands accused of replacing internal security with a business contract. The criticism is intense, labeling the government's actions as "lying" and "commodifying security." The opposition is rooted in policy and values, calling the government's priorities into question.
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2025-09-24
The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.

Direct opposition or criticism toward political opponents is not expressed. However, pressure is being put on the minister to secure specific plans and deadlines, demanding accountability for the implementation of regional policy.
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2025-09-22
Inquiry Regarding the Bringing of Swedish Prisoners to Estonia (No. 792)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The main confrontation revolves around the stances taken by the Minister of Justice and the government regarding the transfer of Swedish prisoners to Estonia. The criticism is intense and politically motivated, accusing the government of weakening Estonia's internal security and ignoring the warnings issued by the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) and the prefect of Southern Estonia.
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2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding educational inequality (no. 795)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The primary opposition is aimed at the governing coalition and the minister, criticizing the absence of their action plans for enhancing educational equality. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, focusing on the inadequacy of the existing funding model and the lack of concrete measures. The confrontation is intense, as inequality is being called the most pressing problem facing the Estonian education system.
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2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

There is not enough data.
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2025-09-15
An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The main criticism is leveled against the ministry and the minister, centering on procedural failure (the delay in passing the law) and the diffusion of responsibility. The avoidance of accountability ("the entire administrative area collectively") is viewed as a recurring issue.
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2025-09-11
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (636 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

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.
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2025-09-08
Inquiry regarding regulations concerning end-of-life issues (no. 766)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The criticism is aimed at the minister's inaction and sluggishness in advancing end-of-life regulations. The opposition is procedural, highlighting a lack of decisive action rather than questioning the minister's substantive reasoning. Instead of a compromise, more vigorous action is being demanded.
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2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The opposition is primarily targeting the Riigikogu Presidium and the Speaker, criticizing their handling of procedural rules, alleging inefficient work, and citing unequal treatment of women. Furthermore, the governing coalition is criticized for failing to take concrete steps to reduce educational inequality. Dissatisfaction is also being voiced over the exclusion of trade unions from discussions on draft legislation.
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2025-06-18
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Submitting a Proposal to the Government of the Republic" (630 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

It sharply opposes the viewpoint that falling victim to fraud is solely the victim's own problem, criticizing this logic as both inappropriate and insufficient. The critique is grounded in values and policy, emphasizing the state's obligation to curb fraudulent activities and assist victims. The opponent's position is refuted using concrete examples that demonstrate the resulting social harm.
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2025-06-18
Third reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The primary confrontation is with the Reform Party (the Prime Minister's party), which is sharply criticized for failing to deliver on election promises and for neglecting to account for fixed costs. The criticism is rooted in policy and credibility issues, accusing them of a disconnect between their pledges and their actual performance. Direct questions are being posed to the opponents regarding the reasons for their inaction.
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2025-06-18
Draft law amending the Basic Education and Upper Secondary Education Act and the Vocational Education Institutions Act (director certification and teacher career model) (653 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The opposition is directed at the existing education funding system and the government/minister responsible for it, who is being criticized for failing to adequately consider socio-economic background. The criticism is systemic and focuses on the absence of political mechanisms necessary to level out inequality.
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2025-06-18
Continuation of the first reading of the draft law on the sharing of credit information (652 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The criticism is aimed at unregulated market players, particularly debt collection firms, which burden debtors with exorbitant costs and penalty fees, effectively driving them into debt bondage. Furthermore, the government's proposed timeline for implementing the positive credit register is indirectly criticized, with 2028 being deemed too late considering the rapid increase in the number of debtors.
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2025-06-12
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakostale, submitted by 42 members of the Riigikogu.

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The main opponent is Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta, who is being sharply criticized both personally (unreliability, evasion of questions, telling lies) and politically (weakening of the PPA [Police and Border Guard Board]). The intensity of the criticism is high, accusing the minister of "many lies" and twisting the positions of former minister Riina Sikkut. No willingness to compromise is being expressed.
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2025-06-11
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The main opponent is the Reform Party, which faces sharp criticism for political hypocrisy (specifically, the differing approaches in Tallinn and Tartu regarding local service fees) and irresponsible tax policy. Criticism is also aimed at the logic employed by Pere, the head of the Reform Party's Tallinn district, where decisions are made before securing sources of funding. The possibility of compromise is not even mentioned; instead, they demand the fulfillment of the election promise at the national level.
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2025-06-10
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (609 SE) - second reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.

The primary opposition is aimed directly at the minister and the government, who are responsible for the draft legislation. The criticism is intense, focusing heavily on political accountability and demanding the minister's resignation should the bill's adoption result in the continuation of penalty fines for violations. The criticism addresses both policy-level and personal responsibility.
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2025-06-05
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (616 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The criticism targets the shortcomings of the current regulations and the passivity of local authorities who are failing to seriously tackle the issues of speeding and drunk driving. Specific political opponents or factions are not named; rather, the inefficiency of the system itself is being criticized.
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2025-05-21
Forestry

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.

The main criticism is directed against the government and the existing nature conservation compensation policies, which are considered unfair and insufficient. The criticism is strictly policy-based, focusing on unfair compensation mechanisms and the income taxation of subsidies.
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2025-05-20
Inquiry Regarding Electrical Power Generation Capacities (No. 746)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The criticism is indirectly aimed at the government's actions or inaction in the renewable energy sector, demanding immediate changes and concrete proposals. There are no direct opponents or personal attacks; rather, the focus is squarely on the policy's deficiencies.
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2025-05-19
Inquiry Regarding Estonian Environmental Policy (No. 743)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The primary confrontation is aimed at the government and the minister, whose political objective is considered misguided and detrimental. The criticism is purely policy-based, focusing on the methods of forest management and the plans to lower the minimum felling age.
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2025-05-19
An inquiry regarding the illegal alteration of the order of protection of natural objects (no. 738)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The confrontation is directed at the minister, but it is aimed at clarifying the implementation of the policy, not at a personal attack. The intensity of the criticism is low, focusing on the interpretation of the regulation and its consequences for landowners.
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2025-05-07
Draft law amending the Unemployment Insurance Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (519 SE) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The opposition is directed against the adoption of a specific bill (519 SE) and against its sponsor, who is being held accountable. The criticism is policy-based, focusing on the shortcomings and insecurity of the social safety net.
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2025-05-05
Inquiry Regarding the Coping of Pensioners (No. 726)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The primary confrontation is directed against the political positions of the Reform Party and the Minister of Social Affairs (likely Signe Riisalo) regarding elderly care. The criticism is political and focuses on demanding accountability for the ideas put forward by the Reform Party, such as "a nursing home spot for the pension." A second speaker corrects earlier statements concerning pension increases, casting doubt on the contributions made by other politicians.
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2025-03-19
State Defence

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.

The primary targets are the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, both of whom are sharply criticized for the poor management of national defense. The criticism is directed both at political decisions (such as delaying procurements) and at personal credibility, with the Minister of Defense being disparagingly labeled a career politician.
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2025-02-26
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The criticism is aimed at the potential negative consequences of the draft bill, such as the politicization of science funding and the restriction of academic freedom through excessive state intervention. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, warning that funding must not become a tool for political influence. Direct political opponents are not named.
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2025-02-10
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu, "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to carry out an analysis of the impact of young people’s social media use" (550 OE)

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session

Direct criticism is aimed at ineffective methods, such as outright prohibition and strict ordering, which Liina Kersna and Margit Sutrop deem inefficient. Lauri Laats had to defend the draft bill, clarifying that it is not restrictive but analytical, thereby addressing the concerns raised in the explanatory memorandum.
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2025-01-15
Draft law amending the Adult Education Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (465 SE) – third reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

There is not enough data.
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2024-12-04
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other related laws (establishing the obligation to attend school) – third reading

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting

There is no direct confrontation or criticism aimed at political opponents. The criticism is directed at the existing inadequate system and the situation where young people enter the job market without preparation.
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2024-11-21
Draft law (447 SE) for amending the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and amending other laws accordingly (establishing compulsory schooling) – Second Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker mainly addresses concerns raised by interest groups, particularly the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (ELVL), regarding the lack of impact analysis, the resulting additional workload for local governments, and funding issues. The criticism focuses on procedural and resource questions, to which the speaker responds with explanations from the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM), clarifying that the matter involves specifying existing tasks and that financial support is guaranteed.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The opposition is aimed at the initiators of the draft bill (e.g., Mr. Aller) and the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, specifically criticizing procedural deficiencies, such as the absence of impact and security analyses. The criticism is strictly political and procedural in nature, not personal.
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2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The speaker directly criticizes the initiators of the bill, accusing them of defending constitutional values "in a very strange way." The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on the proposal's negative impact on Estonia's international standing and credibility.
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2024-11-11
Draft law amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation (459 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

The confrontation is aimed at an individual or group who previously expressed the view that the woman is guilty both of becoming pregnant and of having an abortion. The criticism is intense and morally charged, challenging the opposing side’s right to decide for women and to ignore the role of men.
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2024-09-16
2024 Report by the Minister of the Interior on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.

There is not enough data.
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2024-06-13
First Reading of the Draft Bill (447 SE) for the Act on the Amendment of the Education Act of the Republic of Estonia and Related Acts (Establishment of Study Obligation)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.

The opposition (by Liina Kersna and Helle-Moonika Helme) focused mainly on implementation and economic issues. The criticism addressed the risk of demotivating adult learners that comes with making vocational education partially tuition-based, as well as defining the responsibilities of the state and local authorities (KOV) in fulfilling the mandatory learning obligation. The criticism was policy-based and structured as questions.
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2024-06-03
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (409 OE) of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Implement Effective Measures to Protect Minors from Exposure to Pornography"

Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.

The criticism is aimed at the imposition of national restrictions on cross-border services, as these restrictions conflict with European Union law following a ruling by the European Court of Justice. It strongly opposes the viewpoint demanding the immediate blocking of websites, stressing that EU-wide solutions must be awaited. This opposition is based strictly on policy and legal grounds.
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2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

There is no direct opposition or criticism directed at other political parties. The criticism is aimed at specific wordings within the draft bill concerning the mandatory assessment of special education teachers, demanding the removal of the phrase "excluding." Furthermore, explanations are required from the ministry regarding the practical organization of the transition to Estonian-language education.
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2024-05-07
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (410 OE) of the Riigikogu titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Find a Solution for the Construction of an Extension to the National Opera Estonia"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

Direct criticism of opponents is absent; the critique is aimed instead at the historical situation and the deficiencies of the current theatre hall, which impede international cooperation. The government and the City of Tallinn are urged to find a solution, which signals an expectation for action but avoids outright attacks.
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2024-04-16
The Minister of Culture's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035" (including the implementation of the "Estonian Sports Policy Fundamentals until 2030")

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The criticism is primarily aimed at the long-term trend of the Ministry of Culture’s budget share shrinking over the last 20 years. Specifically cited as a negative example is the tenure of a minister who belonged to the Isamaa party, during which the growth of the minimum wage for cultural workers stalled, even though extra money was allocated to the wage fund.
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2024-04-03
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Amending the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act" (279 OE)

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The opposition is aimed at the initiators of the proposal, criticizing their desire to establish a separate Ukrainian-language education sector, which runs counter to the transition to Estonian-language instruction. The criticism is strong, labeling the proposal a "slippery slope" and the "opening of Pandora's box," which could set a precedent for other nationalities to demand education in their native language. The initiators are also criticized for their inability to select a single amendment.
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2024-03-20
Third Reading of the Draft Act (338 SE) on Amendments to the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

There is no direct confrontation; the speaker focuses on addressing systemic problems (the lack of social security/guarantees) and does not directly criticize any political opponent. It is emphasized that the changes will not result in reduced incomes or a drop in the number of people receiving support.
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2024-02-21
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Estonian Public Broadcasting Act (165 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

The opposition is aimed at draft bill 165 SE, the substance of which is deemed unnecessary or inexpedient, relying on the ministry's objections. The criticism is centered on policy and procedure, given that the committee proposed rejecting the bill, pointing out that the proposed right to file an objection already exists under current law.
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2024-02-21
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act (338 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

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.
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2024-01-24
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Language Act (161 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The opposition is directed at the initiators of Draft Bill 161 SE (the EKRE faction), criticizing the disproportionality of the solution they proposed and questioning why a new bill was introduced alongside one already under deliberation. The position of the Ministry of Education and Research, stating that the bill is not supported, is clearly highlighted.
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2024-01-18
Debate on the National Issue of Crucial Importance: "Strong Rural Schools and a Strong School Network"

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The criticism is aimed primarily at the inefficient and unbalanced school network, which is wasting resources ("money disappears into a black hole"). Societal attitudes are also criticized for undermining teacher dignity by allowing parents to "push them around and blindly sling mud." Specific political opponents are not named.
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