Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First Reading of the 2026 State Budget Bill (737 SE)
2025-10-07
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is two-pronged: firstly, emphasis is placed on strict adherence to the Riigikogu session rules and the exercise of the Speaker's rights. Secondly, the priorities of the state budget are sharply criticized, particularly the preference shown for raising officials' salaries (8.2 million euros) over improving the situation of recipients of subsistence benefits (a 20-euro increase). The position is strongly critical of the government's fiscal policy and the deepening of social inequality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Riigikogu’s Rules of Procedure and procedural rules, citing specific sections (§ 72 and subsection 11). Substantively, the expertise relates to the social welfare sector, particularly the details of calculating subsistence benefits and the corresponding figures in the state budget. Furthermore, there is awareness of specific budget allocations, such as the 8.2 million euros earmarked for officials' salaries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, argumentative, and demanding, relying both on the provisions of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and on specific financial figures. The tone is critical and confrontational, especially regarding the topic of social inequality, where strong language is used, calling the increase in support "ridiculous." A sharp contrast is drawn between the salary increases for officials and the situation of recipients of subsistence benefits.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The MP is active during the Riigikogu session, participating both in procedural discussions with the presiding officer and submitting substantive questions regarding the state budget. This pattern of activity includes directly questioning ministers and referencing recently submitted interpellations (Reinsalu's interpellation), which demonstrates coordinated opposition activity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Fierce opposition is directed at the government's budget policy and priorities, criticizing the preference given to officials over recipients of subsistence benefits. Criticism is also aimed at Minister Joller for presenting inaccurate data regarding the subsistence benefit figures. The resistance exists both at the policy and procedural levels, demanding that the chair strictly enforce order.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is evident in the reference to the interpellation submitted by Urmas Reinsalu concerning officials' salaries, which demonstrates the coordination of topics within the faction. During the sitting, communication with the presiding officer and the rapporteur is rather confrontational and demanding, focusing on insisting upon the precision of rules and answers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is insufficient information.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views stress social justice and the need to direct budget funds toward those in need, rather than highly paid officials. Criticism is aimed at the government’s spending priorities, which favor administrative salary increases (€8.2 million) over inadequate increases in social benefits (€20).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on the plight of subsistence benefit recipients and the inadequate increase in their support. Emphasis is placed on the need to ensure people receive sufficient assistance to cope with life, sharply criticizing the government's actions which leave these individuals in a "ludicrous situation."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft 2026 State Budget Law (737 SE), which the speaker critically opposes. The objective is to improve the conduct of proceedings in the Riigikogu (Parliament) and to challenge the content of the budget, especially regarding the accuracy of the figures in the social sector and the distribution of priorities.
4 Speeches Analyzed