By Plenary Sessions: Heljo Pikhof
Total Sessions: 34
Fully Profiled: 34
2025-10-06
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
The speaker demonstrates expertise in internal security and law enforcement, highlighting the PPA's (Police and Border Guard Board) nearly 200 vacant positions and the shortage of police officers in Southern Estonia. The speaker relies on authoritative sources, citing the concerns of the Prosecutor General, KAPO (Internal Security Service), and the Director General of the PPA regarding the weakening of the system. Furthermore, knowledge of labor market competition among the police, the prison service, and the Tax and Customs Board is also brought forward.
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the connections between regional policy and digital infrastructure, emphasizing its impact on entrepreneurship and the retention of young people in rural areas. They use the term "one of the pillars of regional policy" and are able to anticipate problems with the delimitation of administrative jurisdictions, even though they do not use technical terminology.
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of internal security, focusing on staffing issues within the police and prison services. They reference the hundreds of vacant positions at the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board), the reliance on auxiliary police officers and overtime, and highlight the intense labor market competition among the PPA, the prison service, and the Tax and Customs Board.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in education policy and socio-economic inequality, citing PISA results, studies conducted by the Foresight Centre (Arenguseire Keskus), and concrete income data (€1000 vs €4500 median income). They are highly familiar with international mechanisms for leveling the playing field (Nordic countries, Canada, Ireland) and differentiate linear subjects (mathematics) from others. Furthermore, they possess knowledge regarding the procedures for adopting the Arms Act and the training network for libraries.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of work and rest time regulations and the practices of European Union countries concerning public holiday compensation. He/She supports his/her positions with statistical data (Estonia having the highest number of working hours in the EU) and refers to a previous expert opinion provided by Risto Kaarna, an analyst from the Ministry of Finance's Fiscal Policy Department. Furthermore, he/she cites studies by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions regarding the benefits of work-life balance.
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates a deep historical knowledge of bioethics and human research, citing their previous membership in the corresponding Estonian council. This expertise is further confirmed by the mention of organizing a major conference alongside renowned physicians and experts. Consequently, this grants them the authority to demand a more vigorous approach to the issue.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
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.
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of financial and debt problems, using specific data (the growth in the number of debtors from 72,000 to 100,000, the average debt amount) and referencing their previous work as the chairman of the legal committee. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about education funding models and the impact of socio-economic background, citing studies by the Foresight Centre (Arenguseire Keskus) and Nordic practices.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of personnel policy and workforce competition within security institutions, highlighting specific figures (e.g., 200 police officers currently missing from the PPA). He also has knowledge of the prison service budget (referencing maintenance costs of 12 million and 20 million euros) and the medical treatment conditions for inmates, citing the Swedish practice of using specialist doctors.
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of early childhood education funding, highlighting specific childcare fee amounts in various municipalities (81 euros in Tartu, over 170 euros in Rae Parish) and their connection to the minimum wage. The technical term "early education mobility" is utilized, and precise financial proposals (22 million euros) are presented in the supplementary budget amendment. The expertise also covers knowledge of the Reform Party's previous election promises and local government policy.
2025-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of competition law and the transposition of European Union law. Specific terminology is used, such as the "parallel procedure model," and reference is made to the updated EU Competition Directive and the related requirements for effectiveness and equivalence.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the daily hazards associated with light personal vehicles, emphasizing vulnerable groups such as people with mobility impairments and families with young children. The focus is on social and road safety aspects, highlighting the scale of the problem (uncontrolled numbers and speeding while intoxicated).
2025-05-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of nature conservation restrictions (special protection zone, limited management zone) and their economic impact on real estate value. He uses specific terminology such as clear-cutting, the market price of mature timber, and the 100% payment of land tax, emphasizing that the property's value decreases severalfold. The assessment covers both nature conservation regulations and the specifics of the tax system.
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of forestry and land use, utilizing specific terminology such as rotation age, commercial forests, and the 70%/30% ratio. The focus is also on the legislative and development plan changes required to accelerate the establishment of renewable energy production capacities.
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of social security and labor market measures, using specific terms such as unemployment allowance, unemployment insurance benefit, and subsistence benefit. The expertise is based on the problems and social impacts highlighted by the Central Federation of Estonian Trade Unions.
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates authority and historical knowledge concerning the procedure for indexing pensions, citing the 2007 government decision and the relevant draft legislation. This expertise is confirmed by a reference to their previous role as Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, which entitles them to correct historical facts related to the legislation.
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of national defense, referring to specific problems such as delays in crucial procurements. Furthermore, the difference in the role and credibility between defense specialists (General Herem, Kusti Salm) and political officials (the Minister of Defense) is emphasized.
2025-02-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the domain of science and innovation policy, referencing the specifics of the draft legislation and the historical context (the 1997 Act). This expertise is evident in the use of specific technical terminology (e.g., evaluation criteria, operational funding) and the citation of detailed positions from various research institutions (e.g., the Academy of Sciences, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences).
2025-02-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
The speaker(s) demonstrate strong expertise in the fields of education policy, digital competence, and youth mental health. The arguments are supported by extensive international research (OECD 2024, WHO 2023) and data from the Estonian Human Development Report. Various regulatory mechanisms are discussed in detail, such as national restrictions versus school autonomy.
2025-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of education policy and adult education, utilizing precise terminology such as micro-qualification, micro-degree, and ECTS credit volume. Detailed explanations are provided concerning quality requirements, operating licenses, and harmonization with European educational terminology. The practical applicability of this knowledge is illustrated through specific examples drawn from the construction sector (restoration, energy efficiency, BIM technology).
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of education policy, particularly concerning school dropout rates, the development of vocational education, and curriculum flexibility. Specific statistical data is utilized (for instance, 550–650 young people do not continue their education), along with technical terms such as "buffer year" and "learning bites." This expertise is further supported by references to the positive experiences of Finland and Germany regarding extended compulsory schooling.
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
High expertise is demonstrated in the field of education and legislation, particularly in the presentation of the procedure for Draft Law 447 (compulsory education), stakeholder opinions, and technical details (e.g., restrictions on the reuse of free tuition). Knowledge is shown regarding the requirements for processing constitutional amendments, necessitating comparative analysis and security risk assessment. Detailed data is provided concerning the positions of interest groups and the dates of committee sessions.
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the work and history of the Social Affairs Committee, particularly concerning the issue of termination of pregnancy for minors and parental consent. They reference their previous experience as the committee's chair, which lends institutional weight to their claims. Furthermore, they draw upon doctors' explanations concerning unusual cases related to the implementation of the legislation.
2024-09-16
The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
The expertise focuses on the construction sector and the planning of new buildings, particularly the absence of underground facilities (garages, basements, storage rooms). The speaker is aware of current construction trends, noting that new houses are popping up quickly, but without any provision for shelter. No data or statistics are used, but the command of the subject matter is highly specialized.
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
High level of expertise in the field of education, particularly regarding the curricula, financing, and legislation of vocational and general secondary education. Specific terminology is utilized, such as "valdkonnapõhine õppekava" (field-based curriculum), "tervikkvalifikatsioon" (complete qualification), "SAIS," and "OSKA." Detailed statistical data is also provided. Precise data is presented concerning dropout rates (20% annually in vocational education) and budget forecasts (e.g., 5.5 million euros in savings starting from 2026).
2024-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
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.
2024-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in early childhood education legislation, citing specific sections (Section 40, subsection 2) and the structure of support services (speech therapists, special needs educators). Technical terminology is used, and pedagogical principles are referenced, such as the age of play and the most rapid period of cognitive development. State financial allocations (15–16 million euros) for teacher salary support are also mentioned.
2024-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge of the technical requirements of musical theater, detailing specific shortcomings (acoustics, limited visibility, the size of the stage complex) and their impact on the repertoire (e.g., "Swan Lake"). To support this expertise, the Director General of the Estonian National Opera, Ott Maaten, is quoted. Specific prerequisites for international cooperation (co-productions) and retaining talent in Estonia are emphasized.
2024-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Deep expertise is demonstrated regarding the budget history and wage policy of the cultural sector, highlighting specific percentages (e.g., 3.84% in 2002) and historical data concerning the minimum wage for cultural workers. Technical terms are used, such as "creative economy," the "Film Estonia reimbursement system," and "rolling health insurance." Furthermore, there is detailed knowledge of specific initiatives like the "culture backpack" and support for hobby education.
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The speakers demonstrate expertise in the field of education by referencing the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (PGS) and the requirements for fulfilling compulsory schooling. Statistics regarding the number of Ukrainian minor refugees in Estonia (18,445) are utilized, along with demographic data concerning the decline in Ukraine's population. The discussion covers technical details, such as the implementation of the 40:60 curriculum and the effectiveness of the Ukrainian e-school system.
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding social protection and funding in the cultural sector, explaining the details of the Cultural Endowment's (Kultuurkapital) new creative salary system and its impact on taxation. Technical terms are utilized (e.g., gambling tax, rolling health insurance), and reference is made to the 2021 study by the Praxis Think Tank concerning the situation of freelance creative professionals. A specific assessment is presented, estimating that the change would positively affect approximately 5,000 individuals working in the cultural field.
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
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.
2024-01-24
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Strong expertise is evident in the legislative process and the work of the Culture Committee, demonstrated by the precise details provided regarding the session's proceedings, the bill numbers (161 SE, 1 SE), and the ministry's official positions. Specific topics are covered, including the fine rates for violations of the Language Act, the prohibition on business activities, and the issue of platform work. The speaker is thoroughly familiar with the bills currently under consideration and the distinctions between them.
2024-01-18
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in education policy, drawing upon PISA results, research conducted by the Foresight Centre, and concrete statistical data concerning the structural imbalance of the school network. The income-based educational achievement gap is examined in particular depth, with examples provided of funding models used in Oslo and Barcelona, alongside the correlation between maternal income and mathematics exam scores.