Session Profile: Heljo Pikhof
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
2024-06-03
Political Position
Strong support for protecting children from pornography, stressing that this is an obligation mandated by the Constitution and the Child Protection Act. The political approach is heavily grounded in policy and legal norms, emphasizing the need to comply with European Union law (the Digital Services Act) and find pan-European solutions. The position is moderately supportive of EU-level solutions, contrasting with rapid national restrictions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise in legislative procedure and European Union digital law. Uses technical terminology (Digital Services Act, e-identification, coercive fine, EU Wallet) and refers to specific legal acts and rulings of the European Court of Justice. Demonstrates detailed knowledge regarding the regulation of platforms (Pornhub, Redtube) and European Commission enforcement procedures.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is highly formal, objective, and procedural, focusing on conveying committee deliberations, expert viewpoints, and legal constraints. The tone is neutral and analytical, relying primarily on facts, protocols, and legal arguments, rather than emotional appeals.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active in the work of the Riigikogu Culture Committee, submitting a detailed report on the committee session that took place on May 28th. The operational focus is legislative and reporting-based, centered on moving the draft legislation forward for consideration by the full assembly.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct confrontation is voiced, but an approach based on EU law is defended against those who demand immediate and forceful national blocking of websites (e.g., Helle-Moonika Helme). It is explained that national restrictions on cross-border services are not consistent with the ruling of the European Court of Justice.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highly cooperative, noting that the committee's decisions regarding moving the draft bill to the final vote were adopted by consensus. They work closely with ministries and agencies (Ministry of Social Affairs, TTJA, Ministry of Culture) and convey their positions to the plenary session.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong international and European Union focus. It is emphasized that the issue of child protection is cross-border and requires a pan-European solution (e.g., the EU Wallet), as national restrictions are ineffective or unlawful due to rulings by the European Court of Justice.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It does not present broad economic views, but it addresses the economic aspect of regulating digital platforms, mentioning large fines (a penalty payment of 5% of daily global turnover) for non-compliance, which should compel platforms to adhere to the law.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A central social theme is the protection of children from the harmful effects of pornography and the development of child assistance mechanisms (child assistance consultants). Support is provided for offering age-appropriate sexual education within the education system and for establishing mechanisms for harm compensation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is bringing the bill regulating the dissemination of pornographic and violent content to a final vote. The objective is to ensure that Estonian law complies with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) and also to find solutions for regulating websites that do not fall under EU jurisdiction.
8 Speeches Analyzed