Session Profile: Heljo Pikhof
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The politician champions social democratic values, with a strong focus on reducing social inequality and protecting the rights of working people. He strongly advocates for abolishing kindergarten fees and granting compensatory days off for public holidays that fall on a weekend, justifying this by stressing the need to give the public some respite. Furthermore, he is committed to overcoming obstacles related to the construction of nationally important cultural buildings, such as the extension of the Estonia National Opera.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in cultural policy, addressing the Culture Committee on topics ranging from the extension of the Estonia Theatre to the modernization of the Academy of Sciences Act. They utilize international comparisons, citing examples from European countries regarding compensation for public holidays and referring to the practices of the Nordic countries, Canada, and Ireland in mitigating educational inequality. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the education funding system and the social disparities evident in PISA results.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is generally formal and procedural, especially in committee reports, but it becomes sharp and critical when defending procedural disputes and the rights of the opposition. It employs both logical arguments (economic considerations, technical modernization of the law) and emotional appeals (children must not suffer, inequality is a burning issue). Criticism directed at the Riigikogu Board is straightforward, accusing them of silencing the opposition and treating women unequally.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active both as a rapporteur for the Culture Committee and as a submitter of bills and interpellations on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction. He/She participates intensely in procedural disputes, criticizing the scheduling of Riigikogu sessions and the actions of the Presidium. His/Her presentations are connected both to the promotion of long-term cultural projects and to urgent socio-political initiatives.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The sharpest criticism is directed at the Board and Speaker of the Riigikogu, who are accused of violating procedural rules, attempting to silence the opposition, and the unequal treatment of women. He/She also criticizes the government and the Ministry of Education and Research for the lack of concrete steps taken to reduce educational inequality. He/She defends the right of trade unions and other external interest groups to monitor the legislative process, criticizing the discussion of bills at midnight.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely within the Culture Committee and the Social Democrats' parliamentary group, submitting draft legislation on their behalf. He/She refers to the possibility of cross-party cooperation, noting that the leading government party (the Reform Party) also supports abolishing kindergarten place fees. He/She stresses the committee's unanimous agreement regarding the time of the sitting, while criticizing the board's decision to change it.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on national laws and policies that affect all residents of Estonia (public holidays, education, cultural institutions). He/She emphasizes the problem of regional inequality in education and cites the high kindergarten fee in the city of Tartu as an example, contrasting it with the lower fees in other municipalities.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for state intervention aimed at mitigating social costs, specifically demanding that the elimination of kindergarten tuition fees be compensated for out of the state budget (an estimated additional cost of 66 million euros). He represents the interests of the labor force, supporting extra days off and arguing that this would not jeopardize the Estonian economy or labor productivity. Instead, he claims it would ease the burden of Estonia’s above-average number of working days and hours.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus is placed on educational inequality, stressing that a child’s educational trajectory should not depend on their parents’ income or location. She addresses issues concerning children’s mental health and school bullying, demanding support services for inclusive education and ensuring access to extracurricular activities. Furthermore, she champions gender equality within Riigikogu (Parliament) procedures, criticizing the differential treatment of women.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is an active initiator in legislation concerning social policy (the abolition of kindergarten fees, extra days off) and the cultural sector (the extension of the Estonia Theatre). They also handle the technical modernization of laws (the Estonian Academy of Sciences Act) and are critical of the procedures used for processing the Employment Contracts Act. They submit inquiries regarding policies aimed at reducing educational inequality.
11 Speeches Analyzed