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 rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotional, accusing the government of "lying" and "deliberate manipulation" regarding security issues. Strong value-based appeals and rhetorical questions are employed to highlight negative consequences, such as Tartu becoming a "prison city." The tone is urgent and demands transparent information.
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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.

The rhetorical style is formal (addressing a minister) but simultaneously urgent and direct, employing strong language ("crucial") to underscore the criticality of the issue. The appeal is logical, directly linking infrastructure development to economic and social outcomes.
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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 rhetorical style is sharply critical and accusatory, particularly directed at the Minister of Justice. Emotional appeals and judgments ("It is utterly embarrassing to listen to") are employed, and it is emphasized that the government's actions weaken Estonia's internal security. The style is interrogative, contrasting official claims (that security is rising) with logical contradictions (the decreasing number of police officers).
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2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding educational inequality (no. 795)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The rhetorical style is urgent, serious, and critical, stressing that academic success does not compensate for social injustice. The speech relies heavily on logical arguments and data (e.g., disparities in median incomes across schools), while maintaining a formal and structured tone. A specific example from mathematics instruction is used in a short remark to illustrate the deepening of inequality through the availability of teaching assistants.
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2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The rhetorical style is polite and inquisitive, beginning by thanking the presenter for the report. The focus is on requiring a logical explanation and clarifying procedural details, while strictly avoiding emotional or personal appeals.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, yet sharp and critical, employing the address "Honorable Minister!". A rhetorical question is used (Who is responsible for this?) to emphasize the government's avoidance of responsibility and the blatant nature of the delay. The tone is accusatory and demanding.
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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 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.
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2025-09-08
Inquiry regarding regulations concerning end-of-life issues (no. 766)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The rhetorical style is formal and respectful ("Honorable Minister"), yet simultaneously demanding, highlighting the pressing nature of the topic. The speaker draws upon personal historical experience in their arguments, contrasting it with the current stagnation. The conclusion stresses the necessity of a solution, since "people are expecting it."
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2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The speaker’s tone is formal and businesslike when presenting draft legislation, but it turns sharp and critical when procedural issues are discussed. He employs emotional appeals, stressing that children must not suffer during difficult times, while simultaneously presenting logical arguments, referencing the threat of economic unproductivity. His criticism is especially pointed toward the Speaker of the Riigikogu, whom he accuses of unfair treatment and a failure to properly hear or acknowledge [a point].
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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

The tone is urgent and anxious, highlighting the personal suffering of fraud victims through emotional examples (a pensioner, a single parent losing their life savings). In the second address, the style is confrontational, leveling sharp rhetorical questions at the opposing side and refuting the opponent's logic that becoming a victim of fraud is merely an individual's problem.
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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 rhetorical style is sharp, provocative, and built upon repetitive questions, emphasizing the opposing side's inaction and failure to keep promises. A logical appeal is employed, citing the opposing party's written promises to highlight the contradiction between their platform and their actual actions. The speaker expresses surprise and criticism regarding the government's alleged inability to plan fixed costs.
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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 rhetorical style is formal and analytical, utilizing logical arguments and referencing studies and international examples. The tone is persuasive and demanding, stressing that educational inequality is not inevitable, and posing direct questions to the minister regarding the necessity of policy change.
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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 rhetorical style is serious, concerned, and urgent, emphasizing the social depth of the problem with emotional expressions such as "debt slavery," "predatory interest rates," and "lives ruined forever." The speaker combines logical argumentation (references to laws and studies) with a strong social appeal to highlight the state's responsibility. The presentation is formal and includes both questions directed at the minister and a longer introductory speech.
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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 rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, focusing on the minister's dishonesty and incompetence. Sharp phrases are used ("outright lie," "a crying shame," "many lies"), and the minister is accused of evading questions and "muddying the waters." The appeals are a blend of emotional concern regarding security and logical arguments based on personnel and cost data.
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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 rhetorical style is critical and at times accusatory, particularly when highlighting the hypocrisy of the Reform Party using the examples of Tallinn and Tartu. Both logical arguments (facts, election programs, figures) and language emphasizing social values are employed to establish a tone that is both urgent and just. Direct reference is made to media coverage (ERR news) to quote and criticize the opposing side's positions.
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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 rhetorical style is sharply critical and confrontational, beginning by labeling the minister's example a failure. The speaker employs logical arguments concerning the law's inadequacy and the risk of fines, concluding with a demand for direct accountability and the question of resignation. The style is straightforward and requires a response that is "direct and doesn't muddy the waters."
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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 rhetorical style is concerned and urgent, highlighting the scale and lack of control regarding the danger posed by light personal mobility devices. An emotional appeal is employed, referencing vulnerable groups such as people with mobility issues, families with strollers, and small children. The presentation adopts a questioning tone, drawing attention to the necessity of national regulation, given that local authorities are not sufficiently proactive.
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2025-05-21
Forestry

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.

The style is formal and analytical, addressing the Prime Minister directly through a series of questions. The speaker relies on logical arguments and legal inconsistencies (specifically, the income taxation of benefits), highlighting the injustice of the situation. The tone is demanding and critical, yet it remains fact-based, steering clear of emotional appeals.
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2025-05-20
Inquiry Regarding Electrical Power Generation Capacities (No. 746)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The style is formal and direct, addressing the minister with respect ("Honorable Minister!"). The speaker poses logical and specific questions, demanding information regarding urgent legislative amendments and government proposals. The tone is rather businesslike and demanding.
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2025-05-19
Inquiry Regarding Estonian Environmental Policy (No. 743)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

The rhetorical style is critical and forceful, accusing the government of choosing a firm, yet misguided direction. Repetition ("I repeat: 70% for tree plantations") and a rhetorical question ("Doesn't it seem to you...") are used to emphasize the negative consequences of the government's actions. The tone is formal (Honorable Minister!), but confrontational in substance.
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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 rhetorical style is formal and direct, addressing the minister respectfully ("Honorable Minister!"). A logical, hypothetical example is used (converting 50 hectares of forest into arable land) to compel a political explanation, without resorting to emotional appeals. The tone is interrogative and information-seeking.
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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 rhetorical style is critical and demanding, posing a direct question to the presenter that requires a bold affirmation regarding social guarantees. Logical argumentation is employed, emphasizing the negative consequences of the draft bill on 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 speakers employ a direct and pertinent style, focusing on the facts and demanding accountability. The first speaker is challenging, demanding explanations from the minister regarding the Reform Party’s policies. The second speaker is corrective and authoritative, drawing on their previous experience in lawmaking and their procedural memory.
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2025-03-19
State Defence

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.

The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and alarming, emphasizing the public's heightened anxiety and fear of war. A direct rhetorical question is employed to cast doubt on the Prime Minister's credibility and decisiveness. The tone is formal, but the substance is confrontational.
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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 speaker's style is formal, analytical, and cautious, emphasizing the importance of the reform but warning against the dangers of excessive regulation and bureaucracy. The rhetoric relies heavily on logical arguments and the citation of positions held by key interest groups (universities, academies), deliberately avoiding emotional appeals. He also requests a procedural clarification, demonstrating attention to the working procedures of the Riigikogu.
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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

The tone is serious and concerned, focusing on children's mental and physical health and the need for balance in the digital age. Many logical appeals and references to scientific research and foreign regulations (e.g., Sweden, the Netherlands) are used. The style is formal and procedural, reflecting the course of the committee's discussion and decisions.
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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

The style is formal, explanatory, and optimistic, focusing on clarifying the technical details and definitions of the draft bill (such as the scope of micro-qualifications). The address includes logical arguments that justify the necessity of these changes within the context of rapid technological development and climate challenges. It concludes with an emotional appeal, framing the draft bill as an investment in the future.
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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

The rhetorical style is formal, logical, and data-driven, focusing on clarifying the scope of the problem and presenting solutions in detail. Comparisons are drawn with other countries (Finland, Germany) to justify the policy and highlight the social benefits. The tone is professional and optimistic, stressing that a situation where young people enter the labor market without adequate preparation cannot be considered normal.
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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 speech is predominantly formal, informative, and procedural, which is typical of a leading committee's rapporteur. Logical appeals are employed, relying on facts, dates, and the positions of stakeholders to justify the content and procedural progress of the draft bill. When answering questions, the style is direct and explanatory, occasionally defensively stressing that the necessary financial resources for implementing the change are available.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, demanding, and analytical, focusing on logical and procedural issues to highlight the deficiencies in the preparation of the draft bill. The tone is critical, particularly concerning the cavalier approach to amending the constitution, and demands accountability from the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee.
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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 tone is critical and concerned ("I have a worry"), utilizing strong assessments ("outrageous," "in a strange way") and rhetorical questions. The style is rather logical, emphasizing the proposal's negative repercussions for Estonia's reputation and democratic order.
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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 rhetorical style is direct, personal, and confrontational, employing strong emotional appeals and rhetorical questions ("Where are the men in this game?"). The speaker relies on recalling previous committee sessions and issuing a moral challenge ("how dare you decide such things on behalf of women"), rather than relying heavily on data.
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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.

The style is formal and direct, beginning with a polite address to the minister. Figurative language is used ("like mushrooms after rain") to describe the construction activity, in order to emphasize the scale of the problem. The focus is on presenting a clear, policy-oriented question that is logical and relevant.
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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 rhetorical style is formal, explanatory, and procedural, characteristic of a commission report that summarizes the course of the discussion. Logical appeal dominates, focusing on problem-solving (e.g., how to prevent young people from entering the labor market "empty-handed") and the detailed explanation of new regulations. According to the report, Minister Kallas was "very thorough" in explaining the draft legislation.
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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 rhetorical style is highly formal, factual, and informative, typical of a steering committee report. It focuses on the objective conveyance of the committee’s discussion and expert opinions, utilizing logical and legal arguments. The tone is measured and procedural, steering clear of emotional appeals, even when the subject matter is sensitive.
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2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The style is predominantly formal and supportive, particularly in the longer speech, which employs optimistic and value-based rhetoric, stressing the importance of child development and the valuation of teachers. Both logical arguments (such as legal amendments) and emotional appeals (like the pressure of kindergarten teachers' work and their love for children) are utilized. Short interruptions are direct, demanding specific clarifications or challenging the draft bill's phrasing regarding specialist competence.
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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

The style is formal, serious, and persuasive, employing both logical arguments (technical constraints) and emotional pressure (Estonia is in the "back league" regarding the development of opera art). The speaker opens and supports their positions with authoritative quotes from the Director General of the National Opera to emphasize the historical and international importance of the project. The tone is optimistic about finding a solution, yet simultaneously urgent.
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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 style is predominantly formal and politically expert, utilizing historical data (budget allocations, salary figures) to substantiate arguments. This includes both direct and critical questions posed to the minister, often referencing his previous stances, as well as detailed political recognition for the initiatives undertaken. One address is strongly partisan, highlighting the historical contribution of the Social Democratic Party to wage increases.
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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 rhetorical style is predominantly formal and analytical, focusing on the impacts and legal aspects of the draft bill, particularly when reporting on the committee discussion. Both logical arguments (such as the targeted allocation of resources and the additional workload for teachers) and strong emotional appeals are employed, describing the current situation for Ukrainian children as "inhumane" or warning against "ghettoization."
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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

The rhetorical style is informative, analytical, and moderately optimistic, focusing on the detailed explanation of the legal amendments and the emphasis on positive outcomes. The appeal is primarily logical and fact-based (referencing studies and the distribution of taxes), but it is supported by an emotional emphasis on the importance of culture and creative professionals. The tone is formal and explanatory, with the aim of convincing the audience of the usefulness of the legislative change.
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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 language used is formal and procedural, focusing on the neutral conveyance of the committee's work and the positions held by the Ministry of Culture. Emphasis is placed on logical argumentation and reliance on facts (by referencing studies and laws); emotional appeals are absent. When answering questions, the tone is direct and explanatory, for example, when justifying the actions of the Riigikogu Board.
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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

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.
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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 style is predominantly formal and matter-of-fact, especially on the part of Heljo Pikhof, who focuses on the neutral presentation of facts and commission decisions. The questioner (Speaker A) uses a more critical, yet polite tone, directly inquiring about the reasons for the fine rates becoming significantly stiffer.
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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 rhetorical style is analytical, serious, and simultaneously engaging, emphasizing the national significance of educational issues and the future vision. It utilizes both logical arguments (data, research) and emotional appeals (valuing the teaching profession, avoiding giving up on children). The discourse is formal and strongly relies on the vision created by experts (the Development Monitoring Center).
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