By Months: Heljo Pikhof
Total Months: 17
Fully Profiled: 17
10.2025
4 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of internal security, highlighting the nearly 200 unfilled positions within the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) and the labor competition existing between the police, the prison service, and the Tax and Customs Board. The necessity for specialists and psychologists to treat prisoners requiring complex care is also emphasized, pointing to the overburdening of the healthcare system. This expert knowledge is further confirmed by referencing the warnings issued by the Director General of the PPA, the Prosecutor General, and Kapo (Estonian Internal Security Service).
09.2025
28 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in labor and rest time regulations, as well as comparative EU statistics, highlighting Estonia's long working hours and limited number of public holidays. They are familiar with education funding models and the effect of socio-economic background on learning outcomes, referencing PISA assessments and analyses conducted by the Foresight Centre. They support their positions with specific studies, protocols from previous committee discussions, and quotes from a Ministry of Finance analyst.
06.2025
36 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in social policy, education funding (referencing PISA and international practices), and financial regulation. They cite specific data regarding the increase in the number of debtors (from 72,000 to 100,000) and are well-versed in the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and the specifics of committee work. Furthermore, they are aware of the staffing shortages within the police and prison services, as well as the competition in the job market.
05.2025
7 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the history of social policy and legislation, citing their previous experience as chairman of the Social Affairs Committee regarding the 2007 draft bill on pension indexation. They also possess detailed knowledge of environmental and land use regulations, employing specific terminology such as 'special conservation zone,' 'restriction zone,' and 'income taxation of compensations.' The speaker is capable of articulating the complex relationships between various subsidies and the subsistence benefit.
04.2025
1 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in social policy and European comparative labor law, drawing on examples from the practices of Belgium, Spain, Ireland, and other countries. Data regarding Estonia's above-average number of working days and working hours compared to the European average is utilized to support their position. The expertise is directed toward clarifying legislative details, such as which Sunday holidays (specifically Easter) the draft bill fails to compensate.
03.2025
1 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of national defense, citing specific problems (procurement delays) and authorities (General Herem, Kusti Salm). This expertise focuses on the management of defense policy and the issue of trusting experts.
02.2025
10 Speeches
The speaker exhibits comprehensive knowledge of education and science policy, citing both ministerial regulations and international research (OECD, WHO). Particular attention was paid to presenting detailed data on the frequency of smart device usage among young people, as well as the concerns of research institutions regarding the RDI reform. Specific expertise was also provided concerning science funding mechanisms and the organization of research ethics.
01.2025
1 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of education policy and terminology, explaining in detail the concepts and scope of micro-qualifications and micro-degrees (50–30 credit points). Technical terms such as "formal learning" and "non-formal learning" are used, and specific examples are provided from the construction sector (e.g., BIM technology and building energy efficiency). The requirements for quality assessment and operating licenses are specifically highlighted.
12.2024
4 Speeches
The politician demonstrates profound expertise in the field of education policy, particularly regarding school dropout rates and the flexibility of vocational education. Specific statistical data on youth dropout rates are utilized (e.g., 550–650 young people annually), and detailed solutions are presented, such as a buffer year and five learning pathways. This expertise is further supported by referencing the positive experiences of Finland and Germany concerning extended compulsory schooling.
11.2024
19 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of education policy and legislative procedure, serving as the rapporteur for the Cultural Committee during the second reading of the compulsory education bill (Bill 447). He/She is able to explain in detail the content of the bill, the concerns of stakeholders (including the Ministry of Education and Research, local governments, and unions), and the committee's handling of the proceedings. Furthermore, he/she repeatedly stresses the necessity of conducting impact assessments and comparative analyses when amending the constitution.
09.2024
2 Speeches
The expertise is evident in the details of the legislation, particularly concerning the need to modernize the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act, where they are able to precisely describe the provisions that need to be removed. They also demonstrate knowledge regarding the deficiencies in construction standards and civil defense infrastructure (garages, basements serving as potential shelters) in new buildings.
06.2024
9 Speeches
Pikhof demonstrates authority regarding the committee's working procedures and the handling of legislation, serving as the representative for the lead committee on Draft Law 447 and the draft law restricting pornography. He utilizes and communicates technical terms such as the "Digital Services Act," "EU Wallet," "OSKA," and "SEN youth," asking specific questions concerning curricula, study credits, and budget forecasts. His questions focus on the details of implementing the legislation and the alignment of domestic law with EU regulations.
05.2024
6 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the shortcomings of music theatre infrastructure, highlighting issues with acoustics and stage dimensions that restrict repertoire and international collaboration. They also possess detailed knowledge of early education legislation, focusing specifically on the mandatory provision of support services (speech therapists/special needs educators) and the salary and qualification requirements for teachers. In their arguments, they rely on quotes from Ott Maaten, the Director General of the Estonian National Opera, and reference specific sections of the law.
04.2024
11 Speeches
The speakers demonstrate thorough knowledge of legislation, referencing precise sections (PGS), the dates of Riigikogu decisions, and the work processes of committees. Professional competence is also evident in the details of cultural funding schemes (Cultural Endowment, Film Estonia) and the salary history of cultural workers. Education-themed discussions utilize specific terminology such as "e-school" and the "40:60 curriculum," and reference is made to the positions of the Chancellor of Justice.
03.2024
2 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the funding schemes of the Cultural Endowment (Kultuurkapital) and the specifics of social protection, explaining how creative work support is being replaced by taxable creative work remuneration. This knowledge is based on the findings of the Praxis Think Tank's 2021 study on the situation of freelancers, which are utilized to justify the policy. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of social guarantees (health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance) and the mechanisms used for their funding (excise duty increases).
02.2024
12 Speeches
Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Cultural Endowment Act and gambling tax regulations, including their historical amendments, explaining specific figures and percentages (e.g., 3.8% vs 2%). Uses technical legal terminology (such as 'mandate contract' or 'undefined legal concept') and is competent in explaining the legislative process for draft bills and committee decisions. They also possess knowledge regarding the necessity of amending the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) Act and studies concerning media impartiality.
01.2024
9 Speeches
The speaker demonstrates expertise in education policy, school network reform, and financing mechanisms, utilizing specific statistical data (e.g., 6% of GDP, 20% impact of background on educational outcomes). Repeated references are made to the studies conducted by the Foresight Centre (Arenguseire Keskus) and Vision 2040, as well as international examples (Oslo, Barcelona) for mitigating social inequality. Furthermore, knowledge of the working procedures of the Riigikogu committee and the processing of draft legislation is also evident.