Session Profile: Heljo Pikhof
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-21
Political Position
Strong support for increasing the flexibility of Cultural Endowment funding and ensuring social guarantees for freelance creative professionals. The political focus is directed toward advancing significant cultural construction projects (e.g., the ERR building, the Estonia Theatre extension) and supporting the universal accessibility of health insurance. These positions are primarily policy- and value-driven, emphasizing social protection and national cultural prestige.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep expertise regarding the financial mechanisms of the Estonian Cultural Endowment (EKKA) and the distribution of the gambling tax, utilizing precise percentages (3.8% vs 2%) and financial projections (2.1 million, 4 million euros). It thoroughly explains the differences between stipends and creative remuneration, as well as the technical details of ensuring social guarantees. Furthermore, it presents data on uninsured residents and their healthcare costs.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly official, procedural, and authoritative, especially when introducing the bill's procedure and the committee's work (a list of dates and discussions). It uses logical arguments and data, but becomes defensive and slightly sharp when responding to criticism ("I am sorry that the previous speaker has not understood the point of the bill"). It also uses an emotional appeal regarding national security and the viability of culture when quoting the director general of the national opera.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The individual primarily serves as the representative and rapporteur for the leading committee (the Culture Committee), providing thorough details on legislative procedures, including committee sittings (January 23, February 13, and 19) and consultations with stakeholders. They show a high level of engagement in presenting the committee's work on the floor of the Riigikogu.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He criticizes the previous speaker’s interpretation of the draft bill, rejecting claims that the funding should be drawn from the Cultural Endowment (Kultuurkapital). He stresses that the costs are, in fact, covered by tax increases that have already been implemented. He also expresses opposition to the rushed amendment of the ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting) Act, preferring the comprehensive approach planned by the Ministry of Culture.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Emphasizes broad cooperation with stakeholders and the Ministry of Culture during the preparation and clarification of the draft bill. It notes that the inclusion of the clause on financing cultural buildings was the committee's "joint decision," pointing to a consensus-based approach. It also acknowledges the need for cooperation with universities when determining scholarships.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on nationally significant cultural projects and policy. Narva is mentioned as an example of the differing completion speeds among projects prioritized for cultural construction. It emphasizes Tallinn's role as the capital on the European cultural map in connection with the Estonia Theatre extension, linking it to the international sphere of influence.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports the financing of social guarantees through already implemented tax increases (gambling tax, excises), ensuring that the incomes of creative professionals do not decrease. It views the transformation of the creative work allowance into a salary as a crucial step in securing the livelihood and social protection of creative professionals, guaranteeing them stable income and social security.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong proponent of universal health insurance ("health insurance for all"), highlighting social inequality and the rise in healthcare costs caused by the uninsured population. It considers the provision of social protection (health, pension, and unemployment insurance) for freelance creative professionals a priority, to be achieved through the formalization of creative remuneration.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of Draft Legislation 338, which amends the Estonian Cultural Endowment Act and the Gambling Tax Act. The purpose of this bill is to create social guarantees for creative professionals and ensure flexibility in the financing of cultural infrastructure projects. I am the initiator of the draft (via the Cultural Committee) and a strong supporter, while also dealing with the rejection of proposals to amend the ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting) Act.
12 Speeches Analyzed