Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Inquiry Regarding Plans for the Construction of a Wind Farm on Saaremaa (No. 680)
2025-02-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance involves strong opposition to large-scale wind energy projects (turbines), highlighting environmental and health risks, as well as the government's alleged breaches of law. This position is fundamentally policy- and value-based, prioritizing the protection of the health of the Estonian people and the natural environment over the myth of cheap electricity. The speaker accuses the government of ignoring the Atmospheric Air Protection Act and refusing to provide necessary answers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the environmental impacts of wind turbines, naming specific pollutants such as toxic plastics, sulfur hexafluoride, infrasound, and ice throw. Legal authority is invoked by citing Sections 19 and 27 of the Atmospheric Air Protection Act. Reference is also made to international health experts (WHO 2018 guideline), and deficiencies in the Health Board's capacity to measure infrasound are highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, accusatory, and insistent, employing direct accusations aimed at the minister ("you are breaking the law," "shamelessness"). Both legal arguments and an emotional appeal for the protection of the health of the Estonian people are used. The text concludes with a threat that answers will continue to be sought "from where you least expect it."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action patterns involve active participation in Riigikogu inquiries and meetings with official authorities, such as the hour-and-a-half conversation held at the Health Board last week. The speaker emphasizes continued attendance at community meetings to get answers regarding the issues caused by wind turbines.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are Climate Minister Yoko Alender and the government, who are criticized for violating the law, failing to answer questions, and ignoring the concerns of citizens. Minister Alender's response (being opposed to cheap renewable energy) is considered a way of dodging the question and an act of brazenness. Criticism is also directed at the mainstream media, which refers to those opposing the wind turbines as "participants in a traveling circus."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Although the inquiry concerns Saaremaa, the speech focuses more broadly on the impact of wind turbines across Estonia, citing the Saarde wind farm, from which 20 complaints have been received, as an example. The focus is primarily on national legislation and health protection, issues that affect the entirety of Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are skeptical of the government's promise of cheap electricity, labeling it a myth. The speaker clearly prioritizes protecting human health and the natural environment over the economic benefits that would come with constructing wind farms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus is placed on protecting public health, highlighting health disorders caused by wind turbines, such as insomnia and cardiac arrhythmias (citing the WHO). It is demanded that the state provide the Health Board with the necessary equipment and accreditations for measuring infrasound in order to protect the population.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the strict enforcement of Section 27 of the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, which prohibits the construction of stationary emission sources higher than 250 meters above ground level. The speaker is an advocate for the strict application of the law and an opponent of the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed