By Agendas: Heljo Pikhof

Total Agendas: 44

Fully Profiled: 44

2025-10-06
Interpellation concerning the transfer of Swedish criminals to Estonia (No. 803)

The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

The social sector highlights the strain on both internal security and the healthcare system. Specific concern is raised regarding the shortage of mental health services, with fears that bringing in prisoners from Sweden who require complex treatment will come at the expense of Estonian children's mental health. The overall focus is on guaranteeing the well-being and security of citizens.
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.

Among social concerns, emphasis is placed on preventing rural decline and attracting young people to rural areas. This social objective is closely tied to the development of economic infrastructure in order to ensure the sustainability of rural life.
2025-09-22
Inquiry Regarding the Bringing of Swedish Prisoners to Estonia (No. 792)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The main social issue is public safety and internal security, which is threatened by bringing Swedish murderers and rapists into Estonia. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of protecting the safety of residents in Southern Estonia, thereby prioritizing security considerations.
2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding educational inequality (no. 795)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

The primary social issue is educational inequality, emphasizing that a child's educational trajectory should not depend on the family's financial situation or background. Attention is also directed toward school bullying, children's mental health indicators, and the accessibility of support services (e.g., psychological counseling) and extracurricular education.
2025-09-15
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

When it comes to social issues, the focus is on ensuring education and professional development within the field of librarianship. Specifically, the need is stressed to make sure training is accessible to all librarians so that they are "included in library life."
2025-09-15
An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting

Not enough data.
2025-09-11
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (636 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

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

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session

The primary social issue is end-of-life regulations and euthanasia, which is being treated as a critical ethical question for which people are awaiting a resolution. The speaker supports decisive movement forward in this area, emphasizing the expectations of the public.
2025-09-04
Chair implementation

15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu

The most pressing social issues are educational inequality, children's mental health, and school bullying. He/She calls for changes to the education funding system and ensuring access to free extracurricular activities. Furthermore, he/she stresses the right of working people to longer holidays, citing Christian history (Easter Monday) and the fact that working hours in Estonia exceed the European average.
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 primary social issues are security (the fight against fraud) and social vulnerability. Emphasis is placed on the need to protect the elderly and single parents, and to ensure they receive mental health and social support after becoming victims. Ensuring security is directly linked to social well-being.
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 social issue is the availability of kindergarten spots, emphasizing the need to eliminate financial barriers to accessing education. This is broadly connected to promoting a unified Estonian-language education system, ensuring that no child misses out on kindergarten due to economic reasons.
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 main social issue is educational inequality, which is directly tied to the socio-economic background of families. The speaker emphasizes that education must reduce inequality, not amplify it, and demands the implementation of mechanisms for leveling the social playing field.
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 primary social issue is debt bondage and its devastating impact on households, leading to heartbreak, tears, and the suffering of children. While acknowledging poor financial literacy and the desire to live beyond one's means, it is stressed that the state cannot afford to stand idly by and dispassionately watch as a significant portion of the population sinks into a quagmire of debt.
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

Regarding social issues, public safety and police work are at the forefront, emphasizing the negative impact that weakening the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) has on people's sense of security. The aspect of prisoner healthcare is also addressed, highlighting the need for specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists) for the treatment of violent criminals. Ensuring security and the protection of citizens is paramount.
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 social issue is the accessibility of early childhood education and the reduction of social stratification. Free kindergarten is presented as the most effective weapon against inequality, ensuring that nearly a tenth of children do not miss out on early education due to economic reasons. The education system is viewed as a whole, which must be accessible to every child.
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.

There is too little data.
2025-06-05
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (616 SE) - first reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Regarding social issues, strong emphasis is placed on public safety and the protection of vulnerable groups from the dangers associated with light personal mobility devices. Specific attention is drawn to people with mobility impairments, families with strollers, and small children, all of whom require safe space on sidewalks. Furthermore, the social problem related to speeding while intoxicated is also addressed.
2025-05-21
Forestry

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.

There is insufficient data regarding social issues.
2025-05-20
Inquiry Regarding Electrical Power Generation Capacities (No. 746)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

There is not enough data.
2025-05-19
Inquiry Regarding Estonian Environmental Policy (No. 743)

15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

Not enough data
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.

Insufficient data.
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 primary social issue is social security and poverty prevention. The speaker strongly advocates for the preservation of social rights, warning of an increase in the number of households requiring subsistence benefits, resulting from the abolition of unemployment benefits.
2025-05-05
Inquiry Regarding the Coping of Pensioners (No. 726)

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

The primary social theme revolves around elderly care and the financial well-being of pensioners. Debate centers on whether the need to care for the elderly should compel people to leave the workforce, alongside criticism of the Reform Party's proposal concerning nursing home spots. This underscores the broader issue of social welfare and the strain placed on family caregivers.
2025-03-19
State Defence

15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.

The topic of social security is addressed, emphasizing the public's heightened anxiety and fear of war, which is directly linked to the ineffectiveness of national defense.
2025-02-26
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Among the social issues addressed is the organization of scientific ethics, emphasizing the need for independent and impartial structures that would not render the process bureaucratic. Concern is also raised regarding the ambiguity of indicators related to the succession of researchers.
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 primary social issue revolves around the mental and physical health of young people, which is jeopardized by the overuse of smart devices, cyberbullying, and social isolation. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of improving parental awareness and strengthening the teaching of digital literacy in schools. Liina Kersna stressed that social media also has positive effects that should not be overlooked.
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 main social issue is education and lifelong learning, which the speaker strongly supports. The goal is to improve people's well-being by offering flexible, high-quality opportunities for retraining and further education throughout their entire lives. Emphasis is placed on rapidly updating skills to cope with technological changes.
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 primary social focus is education and social inclusion, aimed at supporting young people who suffer from learning gaps or insufficient proficiency in the Estonian language. Emphasis is placed on creating an inclusive education system that provides flexible learning pathways (five tracks) and incorporates non-formal education, in order to mitigate social and economic issues.
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 focuses on the accessibility of education and social support, aiming to reduce the school dropout rate (1,200–1,500 young people annually) and prevent NEET status (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Emphasis is placed on the need for systemic support, alleviating the shortage of support specialists, and improving the dialogue between parents and the school.
2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Among social issues, the topic of voting rights for third-country nationals is addressed, which is primarily examined through the lens of security risks and national security. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of analyzing how either revoking or maintaining these voting rights impacts overall security.
2024-11-20
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Insufficient data.
2024-11-11
Draft law amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation (459 SE) - First Reading

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

Among social issues, abortion and gender responsibility are currently front and center. The speaker stresses the necessity of involving men in this responsibility and doing everything possible to prevent unwanted pregnancies. They oppose the viewpoint that a child must be born regardless of the circumstances, emphasizing instead that children must be raised with care and love.
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 primary social concern is population security and preparedness, emphasizing the need to ensure shelter facilities in new residential developments. The focus is on the collective protection and civil defense of residents through construction standards.
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.

Education is a core social issue, with particular emphasis placed on supporting young people with special educational needs (SEN) and preventing dropouts. The goal is to ensure that SEN learners also acquire competence and a qualification through a broad-based curriculum, which helps them remain in the labor market. The creation of personalized learning paths and the recognition of non-formal education to maintain motivation are also addressed.
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.

It focuses heavily on protecting children from the harmful effects of pornography, viewing this as a constitutional obligation. It supports prevention services, child help consultations, and age-appropriate sexual education, recognizing the Ministry of Social Affairs' role in harm mitigation. It deems the development of an age verification system to be socially critical.
2024-05-14
First Reading of the Draft Basic Education Act (419 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The main social topics concern the accessibility and quality of early childhood education, and the mitigation of social inequality, thereby guaranteeing every child's right to education. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early detection and the identification of special needs, with specialist assessment deemed critical. Support is provided for the transition to Estonian-language education in kindergartens and childcare facilities.
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 social focus is placed on high culture and its role in society, emphasizing the universal language of opera and its capacity to shape the whole human spirit. The vitality of culture is considered a matter of national security, as well as being crucial for both the local community and the international public.
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 social focus is aimed at improving the social protection of creative professionals, guaranteeing them health, pension, and unemployment insurance through remuneration for creative work. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the importance of subsidies for children's and youth's hobby education and activities, as well as the cultural backpack program, in enriching their educational journey.
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 primary social issue is the integration and psychological well-being of Ukrainian children. Emphasis is placed on the importance of Estonian language proficiency for functioning within society and communicating with peers, while warning against "ghettoization" and "segregation." It is also pointed out that there are other refugee groups in Estonia who might start demanding schools in their native languages.
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 main social issue is the lack of social guarantees (health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance) for freelance creative professionals, which is considered unfair. The speaker strongly supports closing this gap by establishing a system of creative remuneration. Furthermore, there is also support for the future creation of "rolling health insurance" for a wider group of people with irregular incomes.
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 primary social issue is informing the Russian-speaking population, emphasizing the necessity of providing information in at least two languages during a crisis. Maintaining ETV+ is considered socially and informationally crucial, given that operating a single television channel in two languages has not proven successful in any cultural environment.
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 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.
2024-01-24
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Language Act (161 SE)

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

The central social theme is the protection of the Estonian language and ensuring compliance with language requirements, including issues related to platform work and the potential inclusion of the dialect topic in the future. The emphasis is on the national language policy and its enforcement.
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 main social focus is on mitigating the income-based education gap and raising the social value of the teaching profession. It is emphasized that disadvantages stemming from social background can be compensated for by providing additional resources early on, thereby preventing the stigmatization of students from poorer families.