By Plenary Sessions: Heljo Pikhof
Total Sessions: 34
Fully Profiled: 34
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The main criticism is directed at the government and the Minister of the Interior, who are accused of weakening internal security and prioritizing business over security. The criticism is based on policy and outcomes, stressing that the government’s plan increases the burden and weakens the system instead of enhancing security. No willingness to compromise on this matter has been expressed; rather, accepting the deal is considered unacceptable.
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
There is no criticism, but the speaker preempts the possible diffusion of responsibility between ministries, emphasizing the regional policy importance of the issue. The demand for accountability is directed against the government's inaction or sluggishness.
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The main opponent is the government, especially the Minister of Justice, whose claims regarding increased security are being called embarrassing and false. The criticism is policy- and results-based, focusing on the weakening of internal security in Southern Estonia.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
The main criticism is directed at the minister and the governing coalition, who are accused of a lack of accountability (specifically, the delay of the arms act) and of ignoring the problem of educational inequality in the coalition agreement. The criticism is intense and focuses on political and procedural deficiencies, demanding concrete measures and a change to the funding system.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The main confrontation is aimed at government representatives, who are sharply criticized for their incompetence in the committee and their inability to present data-driven arguments against the draft legislation. The speaker notes that the government representative couldn't properly answer a single question in the committee and merely speculated about a negative impact on entrepreneurs. The criticism is both procedural and policy-based, specifically citing the disregard for studies and expert opinions.
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The criticism targets the inaction and sluggishness of the government or the responsible minister in addressing the issue of bioethics, a process that has been dragging on for over 15 years. The critique is policy-driven and moderate in intensity, merely calling for quicker action.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
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.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
A strong backlash is aimed at the Reform Party and the Prime Minister’s party regarding their failure to fulfill the election promise to abolish kindergarten fees at the national level. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, casting doubt on the government’s ability to plan for fixed costs. Furthermore, critics challenge the position that falling victim to fraud is merely an individual’s own problem.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The opposition's position is aimed directly against the policies of the minister and their government, particularly concerning security and the prison service. The criticism is intense, accusing the minister of evading questions, lying, and showing a disregard for core values. The speaker also points out that the minister is twisting the words of a former politician (Riina Sikkut) to justify their own stance.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The primary opponent is the Reform Party, which is sharply criticized for political hypocrisy and duplicity concerning the abolition of kindergarten fees in Tallinn and Tartu. Criticism is also aimed at the Reform Party’s handling of tax policy, particularly the sequence of seeking funding sources ("making the decision first and only then starting to look for ways to cover the costs"). The intensity of the attacks is high, suggesting a lack of political impediments for the opposing side in Tartu.
2025-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
The main confrontation is directed at the minister and the government, who are responsible for transposing the Competition Directive. The criticism is harsh, focusing on political accountability and the inadequacy of the legislation, culminating in a direct demand for resignation should Estonia be forced to pay a fine due to the flawed law.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Direct political confrontation is not voiced, but local governments are indirectly criticized for failing to take the initiative in regulating micro-mobility devices. The criticism targets their inaction and the existing regulatory loophole.
2025-05-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
The criticism targets the government's actions concerning the compensation for nature conservation restrictions and the income taxation of grants and subsidies. The opposition is rooted in policy and procedure, accusing the system of being unfair and illogical. The speaker demands concrete steps from the government to rectify the situation.
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the minister, whose forestry policy is viewed as deliberately misguided and environmentally destructive. The criticism is both political and intense, focusing on specific measures such as lowering the felling age and land-use ratios.
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The opposition is aimed at the initiators or supporters of the draft bill, criticizing a political decision that jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of people. The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on the social harm and the fact that there is no certainty regarding how the benefits will be replaced.
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The main criticism is directed at the Reform Party and the Minister of Social Affairs, demanding clarification regarding the party's socio-political promises and stances. The opposition is focused on political positions concerning the financing of elderly care and the revision of historical facts related to the pension increase.
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.
The main targets are the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, who are being criticized for their hesitant and contradictory statements, as well as for delaying procurements. The criticism is intense, encompassing both political and personal attacks, including labeling the Defense Minister a "career politician."
2025-02-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The criticism targets the potential flaws of the draft bill, specifically excessive state intervention, which could restrict academic freedom and transform funding into a tool for political influence. The speaker challenges the Minister’s assurances that there are no funding risks, citing the fears expressed by research institutions. The opposition is policy-driven and focused on mitigating those risks.
2025-02-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
The direct opposition is primarily aimed at the implementation of overly strict or prohibitive regulations, which are deemed ineffective. Criticism (e.g., by Liina Kersna and Margit Sutrop) emphasizes that instead of banning and mandating, the focus should be on improving awareness, changing attitudes, and setting an example.
2025-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Opponents or critics are neither mentioned nor criticized; the speech is focused on presenting the positive aspects of the bill.
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
The speaker does not directly criticize any political opponent or group. The criticism is aimed at the shortcomings of the existing system, such as the downward trend in youth educational attainment and the high dropout rates.
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Strong opposition is directed towards the initiators of the constitutional amendment bill, criticizing both their creation of a value-based dividing line and procedural deficiencies (the absence of an impact analysis). In the education sector, the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM) and the government face criticism for their inadequate analysis of the burden placed on, and the financing provided to, local municipalities. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the Chancellor of Justice’s appeal concerning the conditions for expulsion from upper secondary school (gymnasium).
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
The main opposition is directed at the individual who expressed a viewpoint blaming women regarding pregnancy and abortion. The criticism is intense and personal, calling into question the opponent's moral right to make decisions for women. The opponent's positions are criticized as unfair and unrealistic, particularly considering the necessity of raising children with care and love.
2024-09-16
The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
Insufficient data.
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
There was no direct confrontation, but members of the Riigikogu (Liina Kersna, Helle-Moonika Helme, Heljo Pikhof) posed critical and clarifying questions regarding the specifics of the policy. Kersna expressed concern about the demotivating effect that paid studies might have on adult learners, while Helme inquired about the responsibility of local governments (KOV) and the regulation of career changes. The criticism is policy-driven and targets potential deficiencies in the draft bill.
2024-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
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.
2024-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
No direct political opponents are being criticized. The criticism is aimed specifically at the wording of the law (Section 40, subsection 2), which permits exceptions regarding the assessment of children's speech development by a special needs educator, given that kindergarten teachers lack the necessary qualifications.
2024-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
There is no direct confrontation, but pressure is being exerted on the Government of the Republic and the City of Tallinn to find a suitable solution for Estonia's space problem. The criticism is directed at the inaction or the lack of a solution, despite the Riigikogu's earlier decision.
2024-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The criticism is aimed at previous governments and their budget policies, which have led to a long-term reduction in the Ministry of Culture's share of funding. Specific criticism is leveled against the tenure of the minister who belonged to the Isamaa party, during which the growth of the minimum wage for cultural workers stopped. The criticism is policy- and results-based, not personal.
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The strong opposition is directed at the government's education policy and the implementation of the transition to Estonian-language instruction for Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection. The criticism is policy-based, accusing the opposing side (e.g., Tõnis Lukas) of offering impractical solutions and opening a "Pandora's box," which would trigger demands from other ethnic groups for schools in their native languages. Proponents are also accused of procedural obstruction by submitting 200 amendments.
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
The speech avoids mentioning opposing parties or leveling criticism at other political forces. Instead, the focus is on resolving a systemic issue that has been a major talking point for years.
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
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.
2024-01-24
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The opposition is directed against the draft Language Act (161 SE) submitted by the EKRE faction, which the Ministry of Education and Research deemed disproportionate. The Cultural Committee proposed, by a majority vote (7 for, 2 against), to reject the bill. Criticism is aimed at the content of the bill and the procedural duplication involved.
2024-01-18
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The criticism targets the system's inefficiency (for example, money vanishing "down the drain") and its failure to keep pace with modern times. Specific attention is drawn to "overly assertive parents" who undermine the dignity of the teacher. Direct political opponents or parties are not criticized; rather, the focus remains on broader structural problems.