Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First reading of the Bill on the Amendment of the European Parliament Election Act (lowering the voting and candidacy age) (414 SE)
2024-05-30
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker is deeply skeptical of lowering the voting and candidacy age, stressing the necessity of life experience and maturity. This political stance is value-based, drawing a comparison between political roles and other regulated activities (alcohol, gambling), and requiring that political decisions be justified by constitutional considerations. Furthermore, the speaker challenges the underlying assumptions about maturity upon which the draft legislation is based.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of various age restrictions (alcohol, cigarettes 18; casino 21; Parliament 21; President 40) and uses them as comparative arguments. In their argumentation, they rely on commentaries regarding the constitution, stressing that age limits must be substantially justified, rather than being merely political agreements. The expertise is focused on legal age restrictions and the underlying concept of maturity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and argumentative, focusing on logical appeals and comparative examples. The speaker uses repetitive and direct questions to pressure the rapporteur into providing justifications, especially regarding the presidential age limit. Additionally, he/she is critical of the session chair, intervening due to procedural inconsistencies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during this session, repeatedly questioning the rapporteur and demanding answers concerning the justifications for the presidential candidacy age requirement. He/She also intervenes in procedural matters, criticizing the actions of the presiding officer.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the bill's proponents, challenging their arguments regarding maturity and life experience, and demanding justification consistent with the constitutional commentary. Additionally, the presiding officer of the session is criticized for procedural errors related to counter-speeches and the mentioning of names. The opposition is intense and demanding.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is maturity and responsibility, which is addressed in connection with the prevention of gambling addiction and the fulfillment of political positions. The speaker supports maintaining higher age limits, emphasizing the importance of life experience, which is necessary both for avoiding personal risks and for state governance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft amendment (414 SE) to the European Parliament Election Act, which concerns lowering the voting and candidacy age. The speaker is acting in opposition, demanding justification for the proposed change based on existing legislative standards and constitutional interpretation.
3 Speeches Analyzed