Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft law on accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning complaints procedures (534 SE) - second reading
2025-01-22
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is skeptical regarding the Optional Protocol initiated by the Government of the Republic, dismissing it as complicated and an unnecessary "piece of nonsense" for Estonia. The speaker views the draft legislation's potential value as a pragmatic tool to utilize the UN mechanism for addressing more tangible problems, such as the high VAT rate. The focus is strongly outcome-based, clearly prioritizing economic concerns (VAT) over climate issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker is familiar with the content and background of the draft bill, referencing suspicions regarding child trafficking and the issue of climate complaints. At the same time, he/she frankly admits that the text of the bill is "so complicated that even I don't understand it well," which points to a limited legal in-depth analysis. He/She demonstrates knowledge of the bill's international mechanism (an appeal to the UN).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is ironic, informal, and sarcastic, employing slang ("crazy stuff," "damn it," "oh man") and rhetorical questions. The speaker favors an emotional and ironic approach over logical arguments, especially when pitting climate issues against high VAT (Value Added Tax). To emphasize his points, he quotes colleagues and throws in personal remarks (like Andre Hanimägi "smacking his lips, smacking his lips").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is levelled at Andre Hanimägi (for proposing economically unsound solutions) and Eesti 200 (for their use of jargon). The critique aimed at Hanimägi is personal and sharp, accusing him of delivering empty, contentless performances. Furthermore, those who focus on climate issues are indirectly criticized, effectively dismissing them as less important than economic problems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker addresses colleagues Zuzu and the EKRE faction directly, attempting to convince them of the ironic usefulness of the draft bill. The style of interaction is provocative and dialogical, utilizing the viewpoints of other colleagues either to support or counter their own arguments. He refers to a previous discussion with Andre Hanimägi, demonstrating a readiness for debates.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislative issues (the level of VAT) and the international level (the UN complaints procedure). There is no regional focus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition to the high Value Added Tax (VAT), which is directly blamed for causing hunger and the inability to afford food ("We can't afford to buy [food] anymore; we are starving"). The speaker stresses the necessity of addressing "more tangible matters" and lowering the VAT, thereby prioritizing economic survival.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the coping abilities of children and the risk of famine due to the high Value Added Tax (VAT). Climate issues are dismissed as less important, with priority given instead to economic and social well-being. Suspicions related to the draft bill concerning child trafficking are also mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the second reading of the draft law (534 SE) concerning accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding a communications procedure. The speaker is skeptical of the bill but sees it as a potential political tool for solving economic problems. He is publicly weighing whether or not "this nonsense should be supported."
1 Speeches Analyzed