Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading
2025-02-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong skepticism toward scientific consensus and its political implementation, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most prominent theme is the question of science's reliability and the potential for political bias. They maintain a deeply critical and values-based stance, emphasizing the danger that officially propagated science might turn out to be "junk science."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the trustworthiness of science, citing international examples, such as a decision made by a Canadian province. Terms like "pseudoscience" are utilized, and emphasis is placed on the prohibition of alternative scientific analyses during the crisis. The expertise rests in the critical assessment of the scientific process rather than the presentation of detailed technical data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, persistent, and accusatory. Strong expressions and metaphors are employed (e.g., "letting the minister off the leash," "finding the lifebuoy") to underscore the opponent's discomfort and evasion of a direct answer. The appeal is primarily emotional, highlighting the crisis of confidence by repeatedly posing rhetorical questions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to the submission of three consecutive questions during the Riigikogu sitting at the first reading of the Bill on the Organization of Research and Development and Innovation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the actions of the minister and the government, accusing them of evading answers and avoiding uncomfortable topics. The criticism is intense and addresses both the political substance (the banning of alternative scientific analyses) and procedural conduct (the demand to recall the minister to the podium).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international events, highlighting, for instance, a Canadian province's decision regarding anti-science COVID policies. This international example is then used to draw parallels with Estonia's national science policy and crisis management efforts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social topic addressed is related to public health crisis management (COVID-19) and the role of science in society. The speaker strongly opposes the restriction of scientific pluralism and the rejection of alternative analyses by official science.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act on the Organization of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE). The speaker is using this platform to raise fundamental questions about the trustworthiness of the scientific bedrock, implicitly criticizing the bill if it relies on unreliable science.
3 Speeches Analyzed