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 political position is adamantly opposed to the government’s ‘business plan’ regarding the transfer of Swedish criminals to Estonia, viewing it as a direct threat to internal security. This stance is robust and focuses on the negative consequences of the government’s decisions for police operational capacity and the general public’s sense of safety. The speaker frames the issue as a matter of core values, stressing that Estonia is not a prison—it is a home.
View Profile View Agenda
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.

The political stance strongly focuses on ensuring fast internet connectivity in rural areas, which is treated as a crucial pillar of regional policy. The position is results-oriented, emphasizing the need to halt the decline of rural life and create jobs. Support for the development of this infrastructure is strong, and it is considered vitally important.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-22
Inquiry Regarding the Bringing of Swedish Prisoners to Estonia (No. 792)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The political position is strongly opposed to the government's decision to bring Swedish prisoners to Estonia, particularly to Tartu Prison. The most critical issue is the weakening of internal security in Southern Estonia, resulting from police officers leaving their posts to join the prison service. This stance is clearly outcome-driven, criticizing the minister's claims regarding increased security as both embarrassing and false. The policy design aims to protect the resources of internal security institutions (PPA).
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding educational inequality (no. 795)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The political platform centers on vigorous opposition to the growing educational inequality, which is viewed as jeopardizing Estonia's future success and sustainability. This stance is rooted in both policy and core values, demanding targeted reforms to the funding model and the implementation of mechanisms designed to level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds. The government coalition is criticized for its inaction on this pressing matter, specifically because their current plans fail to provide a long-term vision for enhancing equality.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The political focus is on the practical implementation of the amendments to the Public Libraries Act. The speaker stresses the necessity of ensuring that training courses and information days also include staff from smaller libraries, which points to a concern regarding regional equity and inclusion. The position is procedure-centric and aimed at the effective execution of the policy.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-15
An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The political stance is highly critical of the government’s inaction and evasion of responsibility regarding the delay in adopting the arms legislation. Administrative failure is emphasized, and there is a demand for the naming of a specific accountable individual, citing the prior pattern of collective responsibility. The focus is on evaluating the government’s performance and fulfillment of its obligations.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-11
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (636 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

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

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The political focus is on advancing regulations related to end-of-life care (euthanasia). The speaker criticizes the government's inaction, stressing that 15 years is far too long to fail to find a solution. He demands that the minister address the issue more robustly, citing the expectations of the public. The stance is moderately strong and results-driven, centered on criticizing the lack of political will.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker’s political focus is heavily centered on social justice and reducing inequality, particularly in education (abolishing kindergarten fees) and working life (extra days off for national holidays). They also firmly support the construction of nationally significant cultural buildings, such as the extension of the Estonia National Opera. The political framework is clearly value-based, emphasizing the need for the populace to have a period of respite and for children to have an educational path independent of their family's economic situation.
View Profile View Agenda
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

The political stance expresses strong support for the government's action plan to combat fraud, emphasizing the broad scope and urgency of the problem ("it's high time"). The position is focused on effectiveness and value-based protection, especially concerning vulnerable groups, and calls into question the opposing side's stance regarding state responsibility. Preventing deterioration and assisting victims are highlighted as priority issues.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political position focuses strongly on abolishing kindergarten fees at the national level, which is considered a crucial step toward unified Estonian-language education. This stance is rooted in policy and promises, demanding the fulfillment of the ruling party’s (Reform Party’s) election pledge. The speaker supports the Social Democrats’ amendment proposal to the supplementary budget to extend the principle of free kindergarten to all local municipalities.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political focus is on educational inequality stemming from socio-economic background (income, location). The speaker strongly criticizes the current funding model, which exacerbates this inequality, and demands that it be alleviated through targeted policies. The stance is strongly policy- and value-driven, emphasizing the necessity of differentiated funding.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political focus is centered on mitigating the debt crisis and ensuring consumer protection against irresponsible lending practices. The speaker strongly advocates for robust state oversight of collection agencies and lenders, along with the introduction of mandatory licensing, specifically to prevent citizens from falling into debt bondage. Furthermore, there is a demand for the positive credit register to be implemented sooner than the currently planned 2028 date, underscoring the urgency of the issue. The overall political framework is clearly policy- and value-driven, concentrating on alleviating social consequences.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political position is strongly oppositional towards the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, focusing on the inefficiency of her activities and the condemnation of her values. The primary political stance involves opposing the weakening of the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) and expressing concern over the decline in security across Estonia. Criticism is directed both at specific political decisions (Tartu Prison, personnel shortages) and at the Minister's presentation style, which is deemed dishonest. The political framework is heavily results-oriented, emphasizing the deterioration of security.
View Profile View Agenda
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 central political stance involves strong support for free basic education nationwide, which is viewed as a fight against educational stratification. Criticism is leveled against the Reform Party concerning their tax policy and the instability of finding adequate funding sources within the context of the supplementary budget. The position is strongly value-based, emphasizing social equality and the welfare of children. The political focus is directed toward demanding the fulfillment of the government's election promises at the national level.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political position is strongly opposed to the parallel procedure model proposed in the draft Competition Act, as it complicates the handling of violations and is unviable. This stance is directed at criticizing the inefficiency and incompetence of the government's draft bill, highlighting the risk posed by the continuation of fines imposed on the state. The framework of this position is primarily results-oriented and policy-specific, demanding accountability from the minister.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-06-05
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (616 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

The political position strongly centers on ensuring public order and safety amid the uncontrolled proliferation of light personal transport devices. The speaker stresses the necessity of state intervention, arguing that local authorities are not sufficiently proactive in regulating speed limits and impaired driving. This stance is strongly supportive of tightening regulations, is value-driven, and emphasizes the protection of vulnerable groups.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-05-21
Forestry

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.

A politician takes a firm stand in favor of fairly compensating forest owners for nature conservation restrictions. He/She criticizes the current system as unjust because it shifts the burden of conservation onto the shoulders of specific landowners. The primary demand is a policy change to ensure compensation reflects lost income and to end the practice of taxing this compensation as income. The position is strongly centered on policy and justice.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-05-20
Inquiry Regarding Electrical Power Generation Capacities (No. 746)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The speaker's position is aimed at accelerating the establishment of renewable energy generation capacities, emphasizing the critical necessity of this action. The focus is centered on policy and legislation, demanding specific amendments from the government in existing laws and strategic development plans. The stance is moderately strong, given that inevitable steps are being called for.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-05-19
Inquiry Regarding Estonian Environmental Policy (No. 743)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s environmental policy, with a specific focus on forestry. The most critical issue is the plan to convert 70% of Estonian forests into tree plantations, rather than managed commercial forests. The stance is that lowering the felling age and maintaining consistently high logging rates is the wrong direction, which will lead to the disappearance of older forests. This framework is clearly policy- and value-based.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political focus centers on environmental regulations and restrictions concerning land use and ownership. The speaker raises a policy-specific question aimed at clarifying how the conversion of forest into agricultural land impacts the proportion of protected conservation areas and whether such conversion necessitates a reduction in the overall protected land area. The stance adopted is moderately critical, seeking clarity regarding the practical application of the regulation.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political stance is strongly opposed to Bill 519 SE, as it curtails thousands of people's eligibility for unemployment benefits. This position is socio-critical, focusing on the negative consequences of the policy for social security and livelihood, and underscoring the necessity of social guarantees.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-05-05
Inquiry Regarding the Coping of Pensioners (No. 726)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The political focus is heavily directed towards social policy, especially the livelihood of pensioners and care for the elderly. One speaker criticizes the Reform Party's stance, "a care home place for the pension," and demands a clear answer from the Minister of Social Affairs. Another speaker emphasizes the importance of pension indexation, which was a government decision made in 2007 and serves as the primary mechanism for increasing pensions.
View Profile View Agenda
2025-03-19
State Defence

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.

The political emphasis is placed on national defense and the public sense of security. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's actions, claiming that during the Prime Minister's tenure, the fear of war has increased and the sense of security has sharply declined. The position is strongly results-oriented, focusing on the delays in crucial procurements and the issuance of hesitant public statements.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political position supports the necessity of a comprehensive reform of research and development (R&D) governance, given that the existing legislation is fragmented and inefficient. However, it remains strongly critical of the risks associated with excessive state intervention, bureaucracy, and the politicization of science funding. The primary focus is on guaranteeing academic freedom, funding stability, and transparency, requiring R&D funding to be fixed at a minimum of 1% of GDP. The approach is policy- and value-driven, underscoring the independence of scientific inquiry.
View Profile View Agenda
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

The central theme is the analysis of the impact of young people's social media use (Bill 550) and its potential regulation. Lauri Laats strongly supports conducting the analysis, emphasizing that the goal is to map the situation, not to immediately impose restrictions, which is a policy-driven approach. Liina Kersna and Margit Sutrop stress that banning and dictating are not effective, supporting instead the improvement of awareness and the changing of attitudes. Heljo Pikhof foresees the need for a nationwide restriction that schools could rely on.
View Profile View Agenda
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

The speaker, representing the Social Democrats, expresses strong support for the amendments to the Adult Education Act, which introduce flexible micro-qualifications. This stance is policy-driven, emphasizing the critical importance of lifelong learning and enhancing labor market competitiveness in the era of digital transformation. The changes are viewed as a crucial investment in the future of individuals and the development of the country.
View Profile View Agenda
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

The political position is one of strong support for extending compulsory education until the age of 18, with the goal of reducing the proportion of young people in society who have low educational attainment. This approach is clearly policy-driven, emphasizing the need to solve a social problem (school dropout) through systemic changes. The Social Democrats support this specific bill, seeing it as a crucial step toward improving the quality and accessibility of education.
View Profile View Agenda
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 strongly supports Draft Act 447 SE, which replaces compulsory school attendance with a compulsory learning obligation until the age of 18, focusing on ensuring the continuation of the educational path after basic education. The political position is clearly policy-driven, emphasizing systemic changes, such as specifying the roles of the state and local governments and establishing the basis for recognizing non-formal education. Support is also given to the more efficient use of state financial resources by limiting the simultaneous utilization of state-funded study places in both vocational and higher education.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The political position is strongly procedure-centric and demands a comprehensive analysis of impacts, comparative data, and security risks regarding the constitutional amendment bill (527 SE). The attitude towards the bill is critical because the analyses provided are inadequate, and the focus is instead placed on a value-based and procedural framework. The politician emphasizes that amending the constitution absolutely requires a proper impact assessment.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

The politician strongly opposes the constitutional amendment (536 SE), which defines Estonia's value framework using a list of specific countries. This stance is value-based, highlighting concerns about Estonia's democratic system and its credibility on the world stage, while deeming the initiators' approach "very strange."
View Profile View Agenda
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 political stance is strongly value-based, focusing on gender equality and opposing the sole emphasis on women's responsibility regarding pregnancy. The speaker strongly advocates for taking all necessary measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but objects to the absolute requirement that a child must be born in every instance. They question the opposing side's moral right to make decisions for women.
View Profile View Agenda
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.

The speaker stresses the necessity of introducing new national building codes that would require the construction of shelter facilities beneath new residential buildings. This position is strongly pro-regulation and centers on guaranteeing safety in the context of the country's long-term development. The focus is policy- and standards-driven, addressing concerns regarding construction quality and overall preparedness.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political position is strongly aimed at extending compulsory education and increasing the flexibility of the education system to reduce the dropout rate among young people who only have basic education. Draft Bill 447 SE focuses on reforming vocational education, transforming it into a broader-based and competitive alternative to general secondary education. This approach is policy-driven, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that all young people acquire the qualifications and skills required by the labor market.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political position is strongly value-based (child protection), but its implementation is strictly policy-driven and legally focused on European Union law. It supports the objective of the draft bill, while emphasizing that cross-border solutions must comply with the EU Digital Services Regulation. The position is cautious regarding the imposition of domestic restrictions that conflict with EU law.
View Profile View Agenda
2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The political focus is heavily centered on supporting the draft law concerning early childhood education, underscoring its long-awaited status and necessity for guaranteeing quality education. This involves presenting a value-based stance that emphasizes the critical importance of early childhood development and the need to ensure accessible preschool education as a means of leveling social inequality. A crucial political goal is raising kindergarten teachers' salaries to parity with school teachers, thereby supporting the gradual increase of state participation in this field.
View Profile View Agenda
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

The political focus centers on the swift realization of the Estonian National Opera's extension, a project viewed as crucial for national high culture, international cooperation, and even national security. The speaker strongly backs the implementation of the Riigikogu's earlier decision and calls upon the Government of the Republic and the City of Tallinn to find a resolution. This stance is deeply value-driven, underscoring the need to enhance the viability of Estonian culture.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political focus centers on the drastic reduction in the proportion of culture funding within the state budget, a move widely regarded as regrettable and dangerous for the long-term survival of the nation. There is strong support for ensuring that the wages of cultural workers remain competitive and for guaranteeing social security benefits for creative professionals. Culture is viewed as a significant source of revenue, not merely an expenditure, thereby highlighting the crucial role of the creative economy.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political stance is sharply polarized regarding the education of Ukrainian war refugees. One side stresses the necessity of ensuring the swift return of Ukrainians granted temporary protection, offering them Ukrainian-language instruction to prevent a demographic catastrophe in Ukraine. The opposing side, however, highlights the Estonian state's obligation to ensure compulsory education and integration into the Estonian-language education system, thereby avoiding the creation of parallel systems. These viewpoints are strongly value-based, centering on questions of the nation-state and integration.
View Profile View Agenda
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

The political position is strongly focused on supporting social justice and culture, emphasizing the need to guarantee social security and fair remuneration for creative professionals. They support a legislative amendment that would make the Cultural Endowment (Kultuurkapital) system more flexible when financing nationally important cultural structures (e.g., the new ERR building). This approach is clearly policy- and value-driven, stressing that maintaining a state has no deeper meaning without its own language and culture. The Social Democrats firmly support the draft legislation.
View Profile View Agenda
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 speaker's position clearly favors the rejection of Draft Bill 165 SE, relying on the stances of the Ministry of Culture and media experts. The primary emphasis is placed on the adequacy of ERR's political balance and the necessity of informing the Russian-speaking population (i.e., the preservation of ETV+). This position is strongly grounded in political and expert opinions, deeming the proposed amendments unnecessary.
View Profile View Agenda
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

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

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The most crucial topic is the protection of the Estonian language and cultural space, which enjoys general support. However, strong opposition has been voiced regarding the specific draft bill (161 SE), which would raise fine rates, because government and committee members assess the proposed solution as disproportionate. The political framework is rather policy- and value-based, focusing on language protection and the proportionality of legislation.
View Profile View Agenda
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 political emphasis is placed on the sustainability of education, restoring the dignity of the teaching profession, and reforming the school network to ensure an educated populace. The speaker strongly stresses the necessity of addressing the widening socio-economic gap in education by utilizing formula-based funding models. The political framework is fundamentally value- and policy-driven, underscoring how the nation’s future hinges on education.
View Profile View Agenda
Back to Profiling