Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
The Ombudsman's proposal to align the law on industrial emissions with the constitution.
2025-01-29
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the supremacy of the people and democratic principles, while vigorously opposing the trend toward a bureaucratic state run by officials. He supports the Chancellor of Justice's proposal to bring the Industrial Emissions Act into compliance with the Constitution, as this limits the officials' unlimited scope of discretion. The speaker views the problem as systemic, pointing to the disappearance of referendums and the sense of impunity felt by public officials.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and criminal law, citing the repeal of specific statutory provisions (abuse of official position, official negligence) in 2007. He analyzes the deficiencies of the Industrial Emissions Act, focusing on the absence of substantive criteria used to determine the duration of integrated permits.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, critical, and cautionary, employing logical argumentation that links historical legislative changes to the current situation. The tone is one of concern, stressing the necessity of restricting the power of officials, and emotional figures of speech are utilized, such as "the burial mounds of referendums."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data is available, with the exception of one address given in the Riigikogu concerning the Chancellor of Justice's proposal.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at bureaucracy and the concept of an "officialdom state," which grants unlimited power to civil servants. Criticism is also aimed at the original drafters of the industrial emissions law, who sought to give officials free rein to decide on integrated permits without substantive criteria. The opposition is both procedural and political, emphasizing the sense of impunity felt among officials.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker strongly supports the activities of the institution of the Chancellor of Justice, viewing it as a necessary check on the power of officials and a bit of "finger-wagging." Data concerning cooperation with other political colleagues or parties is unavailable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively national, addressing the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and covering national legislation (the Industrial Emissions Act, the Penal Code).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There are no direct economic perspectives presented, but the speech addresses regulations under the Industrial Emissions Act and the procedures for issuing integrated permits. The criticism centers on restricting the arbitrary discretion of officials, which indirectly impacts the industrial sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the amendment of the Industrial Emissions Act, supporting the Chancellor of Justice's proposal to bring it into compliance with the Constitution by limiting the discretion of officials regarding integrated permits. More broadly, there is an emphasis on the need to restore criminal law provisions concerning the abuse of official position and negligence.
1 Speeches Analyzed