By Plenary Sessions: Heljo Pikhof

The political stance is fiercely opposed to the government, particularly concerning the agreement to transfer Swedish criminals to Estonia—an arrangement they label a dangerous "business plan." This position is grounded in both values and outcomes, stressing that the government is substituting internal security for a commercial contract, thereby eroding the public's sense of safety. The primary requirement is for transparent and clear information regarding the impact of the government's decisions on Estonia's national security.

The most important topic is ensuring fast internet connectivity in rural areas, which is treated as a crucial pillar of regional policy. The political stance is strongly focused on preventing the decline of rural life and creating jobs through infrastructure development. This constitutes a strongly policy- and results-based approach.

The political position is vehemently opposed to the government's plan to transfer Swedish murderers and rapists to Tartu Prison. The primary concern centers on the weakening of internal security, given that this move necessitates a reduction in the number of police officers in Southern Estonia—a situation deemed both shameful and unacceptable. This stance is clearly results-oriented, concentrating on the policy's negative consequences for public safety.

The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on holding the government accountable (specifically regarding the delay of the Arms Act) and addressing systemic failures in education policy. The speaker urgently emphasizes the necessity of reducing educational inequality, prioritizing social justice and equal opportunities. The government is criticized for the absence of concrete measures within the coalition agreement, which suggests a fundamental lack of policy.

The political position is strongly focused on increasing leisure time for working people and improving work-life balance. The speaker firmly supports the Social Democrats' draft bill, which would grant an additional day off when a public holiday falls on a weekend, stressing that this issue is long overdue. The stance is value-based, highlighting the necessity of giving the public "breathing room" and protecting their health from excessive strain.

The most crucial issue is moving forward with the regulation of bioethics and euthanasia. The speaker demands more decisive action on this matter from the government and the minister, stressing that fifteen years is far too long to find a solution. The stance is strongly policy- and results-driven, underscoring the necessity of meeting public expectations.

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.

The political position is strongly oriented towards social protection and state regulation, focusing on the fight against debt slavery and the reduction of educational inequality. The speaker emphasizes the urgent need for effective state supervision over debt collection agencies and demands the abolition of kindergarten fees, in line with previous election promises. The framing of these issues is clearly value- and policy-driven, highlighting the state's responsibility towards vulnerable population groups.

The political position is one of strong opposition to the security and prison reform plans presented by the minister, particularly concerning the issue of Tartu Prison and the proposed weakening of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). The speaker emphasizes that any reduction in security or personnel shortages are unacceptable, accusing the minister of misleading the public. This stance is heavily policy- and results-driven, focusing on the negative impact these plans would have on the nation's overall security capabilities.

The political focus is heavily directed towards making early childhood education free and accessible throughout Estonia, which is considered a crucial step against educational stratification and social inequality. This stance is programmatic in nature and demands a clear vision and the allocation of resources from the government for the coming years. The speaker strongly supports the immediate and nationwide abolition of kindergarten fees, contrasting this position with the uncertain policy of the ruling party (the Reform Party).

The political position is one of strong opposition to the government’s proposed model for the parallel handling of competition infringements. This stance is grounded in effectiveness and legal compliance, emphasizing the inadequacy of the draft legislation and its potential to continue exposing the state to significant fines. The speaker doubts whether the proposed model satisfies the requirements of equivalence and effectiveness applicable during the transposition of European Union law.

The political focus is currently centered on public space safety and the unregulated use of light personal mobility devices. The speaker strongly supports state intervention and additional regulation, particularly concerning speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. This stance is deeply policy- and value-driven, emphasizing the necessity of protecting vulnerable groups.

The political stance centers on strong opposition to the current compensation system for nature conservation restrictions, which is deemed unjust. The speaker is demanding the payment of fair compensation that accurately reflects lost revenue, alongside the termination of income taxation on these subsidies. This position is clearly focused on policy and fairness, stressing that the financial burden of nature conservation should not be offloaded onto specific landowners.

The political focus is heavily centered on environmental and resource management issues. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's forestry policy, particularly the plan to convert 70% of forests into tree plantations and the lowering of the felling age, deeming this approach misguided. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the need to accelerate the establishment of renewable energy production capacities through legislative changes.

There is strong political opposition to the proposed bill concerning the reform of the unemployment benefit system. The primary concern is the loss of unemployment benefit eligibility for thousands of people and the resulting increase in the number of households requiring subsistence benefits. This stance is policy-driven, emphasizing the priority of protecting the social safety net.

The political focus centers on social policy, particularly the financing of long-term care for the elderly and the indexation of pensions. The speaker criticizes the Reform Party's proposed idea of "a care home place in exchange for the pension" and demands clarification on whether the government supports the view that individuals must quit their jobs because of caregiving responsibilities. This stance is strongly critical of the government's social policy and its historical assertions.

The political position is strongly opposed to the government's actions, focusing on issues of national defense and security. The speaker emphasizes that during the Prime Minister’s term, the Estonian people’s sense of security has sharply diminished and the fear of war has increased, pointing to powerful, results-based criticism. The main demand is for the government to take responsibility for hesitant statements and delays regarding crucial procurements.

The political position is strongly focused on the comprehensive reform of the organization of research and development (R&D), emphasizing the need for stable funding that is independent of political sentiment. The speaker strongly opposes state intervention and bureaucracy that could restrict academic freedom. The main objective is to ensure that science funding reaches at least 1% of GDP. The style is policy-driven and focuses on systemic reorganization.

The core political stance is the regulation of young people's use of smart devices and social media, driven by concerns regarding mental and physical health, concentration ability, and academic performance. There is strong support for mapping the current situation and establishing a national framework (Draft Law 550) to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children. This position is deeply value-based, emphasizing the vital necessity of prioritizing children’s welfare and helping them find balance in the digital world.

The speaker strongly supports the draft bill on adult education, which focuses on the establishment of micro-qualifications and micro-degrees. This political position is aimed at promoting lifelong learning and the acquisition of flexible skills to ensure competitiveness in the age of digital transformation and climate change. The speaker represents the Social Democrats, and their approach is clearly policy-driven and forward-looking.

The speaker strongly supports the draft education reform bill, which aims to reduce the proportion of young people with low educational attainment and extend compulsory schooling until the age of 18 or until a qualification is obtained. This position is clearly policy-driven, focusing on solving social and economic issues by increasing the flexibility and scope of the education system. The speech concludes by expressing the support of the Social Democratic faction for the bill in question.

The political focus is divided between two draft bills: strong opposition to amending the constitution to define Estonia's value space using a list of countries, due to fears of damaging Estonia's global credibility. The need to demand thorough impact and comparative analysis for constitutional amendment bills is also stressed. Support is given to extending compulsory education until the age of 18, emphasizing its systemic support and dropout prevention. Nevertheless, criticism is directed at procedural shortcomings and the weakness of the analysis provided.

The most prominent theme is reproductive rights and the division of responsibility concerning pregnancy and abortion. The speaker strongly opposes the view that the woman is solely responsible both for becoming pregnant and for terminating the pregnancy, emphasizing the absence of men's role in the debate. This stance is clearly value-driven, focusing on women's autonomy and the well-being of children. She wholeheartedly supports preventative measures to ensure unwanted pregnancies do not occur.

The most crucial issue is the establishment of national-level requirements for new constructions to ensure sheltering options (such as a garage or basement). The political position is moderately pro-regulation, specifically asking the minister for a concrete plan to implement these requirements, which suggests a policy-driven approach. The objective is to enhance the nation's preparedness and residents' security through updated building standards.

Strong support for the education reform, which aims to increase the flexibility of learning opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of vocational education relative to general secondary education. The primary focus is policy-driven, stressing the necessity of guaranteeing sufficient study places for youth aged 16 and over, and channeling resources freed up by adult learners' paid studies back into youth education. Emphasis is placed on the state's responsibility for these study places and the role of local government in monitoring.

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.

The politician strongly supports a comprehensive reform of the early childhood education system, stressing quality, accessibility, and raising the salaries of kindergarten teachers to parity with school teachers. The political framework is value-based, viewing education as a crucial tool for leveling social inequality and ensuring Estonia’s future success. The objective is to establish a holistic early childhood education system centered around the needs of children and families.

The political focus is on the swift realization of the extension of the Estonian National Opera, which is being treated as an issue of national security and high culture. The stance is strongly supportive, emphasizing the necessity of fulfilling the Riigikogu's previous decision and finding a solution through cooperation between the Government of the Republic and the City of Tallinn. The approach is value-based, linking the viability of culture to the state's credibility and attractiveness globally. The Social Democrats await a resolution.

The political emphasis is placed on increasing funding for the cultural sector in order to halt the decline in the Ministry of Culture’s share of the state budget—a share that has nearly halved over the past 20 years. We strongly support guaranteeing social benefits for creative professionals and ensuring culture is equally accessible throughout all of Estonia. This political framework is value-based, stressing that the very survival of the Estonian state hinges upon the preservation of its language and culture.

The political focus is on the educational arrangements for Ukrainian war refugees in Estonia, emphasizing the need to support their rapid return to their homeland, rather than their permanent settlement in Estonian society. Politicians express strong opposition to the forced integration of Ukrainian children into Estonian-language instruction, particularly in the context of the transition to Estonian-only schooling, given that this situation is linked to temporary protection. This position is value-based, centered on the interests of the Estonian nation-state and the prevention of a demographic catastrophe in Ukraine. Opponents, however, simultaneously stress the necessity of avoiding ghettoization and ensuring that compulsory education requirements are met under Estonian law.

The political stance is strongly supportive of improving the social guarantees for professionals in the cultural sector and increasing the flexibility of funding for state cultural institutions. The statement emphasizes the profound importance of preserving culture and language in the maintenance of the state, lending the position a strong value-based framework. The speaker confirms the Social Democrats' support for the draft legislation, which resolves a long-standing issue.

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.

The political focus centers on the protection of the Language Act and the cultural sphere, stressing the necessity of preserving the Estonian language. One speaker criticized the significant hike in fine rates—making them much steeper—in draft bill 161 SE compared to the earlier draft, 1 SE. A second speaker presented a neutral overview regarding the Culture Committee's proposal to reject the bill, citing the government’s position on its disproportionality.

The political focus is on the sustainability of education, restoring the dignity of teachers, and reducing the deepening socio-economic gap in education. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms, particularly in streamlining the school network and improving the career model for teachers. Support for these reforms is cautious, stressing the necessity of thorough analysis and broad societal consensus ("Measure nine times, cut once").