By Months: Heljo Pikhof

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.