Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Third Reading of the Bill Amending the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-06-19
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, extra plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position expresses strong opposition to the draft amendment of the Land Tax Act (437 SE). This opposition is framed around constitutional violations, particularly regarding the autonomy of local government. The stance is value-based, accusing the government of implementing a Stalinist destruction policy by taxing people to death. The resistance is intense, focusing on both the substance of the policy and its procedural legitimacy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of constitutional law, specifically referencing subsections (1) and (2) of Article 154 of the Constitution, which pertain to the autonomy of local authorities and the assignment of obligations. The analysis focuses on the legal and procedural conformity of the draft bill, highlighting the absence of consensus with local governments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and sharp, combining legal argumentation (with references to Section 154 of the Constitution) with an extreme emotional appeal. The speaker uses powerful historical parallels to describe the government’s actions, calling it a Stalinist policy of destruction and comparing it to forced collectivization.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the current government, which is being criticized both for procedural failures (specifically, the lack of agreement with local municipalities) and for the substance of its policies. The criticism is extremely intense, accusing the government of implementing Stalinist policies of destruction and taxing people to death. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, the focus is placed squarely on the illegality of the government's actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker mentions enabling Varro Vooglaid to give an address, citing cooperation with the faction or with colleagues who share similar views. There is a complete lack of any indication of readiness to compromise with the government or engage in cross-party cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on issues concerning local life and the autonomy of local governments, stressing that land tax and the revenue generated from it are fundamentally local matters. There is an emphasis on the necessity of considering the residents living in the area, who are directly impacted by the government's actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are fiercely anti-tax, arguing that raising the land tax constitutes taxing people to death and amounts to a policy of destruction. It is emphasized that these tax increases are repressive and resemble historical forced collectivization, indicating clear opposition to state intervention in the economy through taxation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are linked to the social impact of economic policy, highlighting the disregard for people (residents) and the social pressure created through taxation. A moral and historical framework is used to criticize state actions that fail to take local people into account.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on the opposition to the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE) during its third reading. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill, emphasizing its constitutional compliance and procedural legitimacy, particularly citing the lack of consensus with local governments.
1 Speeches Analyzed