Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft law amending the Political Parties Act and the Credit Institutions Act (585 SE) – first reading
2025-03-18
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fifth sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly procedural and focused on the rule of law, opposing the actions of the Government (Minister) which allegedly exceed his/her legal authority. Emphasis is placed on the strict necessity of adhering to the rules of legislative drafting (normative technique) set by the Riigikogu and the Government of the Republic when processing bills. The viewpoint is fiercely oppositional, accusing the minister of megalomania and attempting to dictate tasks to the Riigikogu. The framing of the bill is clearly procedure-based, not substantive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in legislative procedures and drafting techniques, specifically referencing the Rules of Legislative Drafting Technique of the Government of the Republic. He uses legal terminology, demanding that the minister name the specific legal provisions that would grant him the authority to compel the Riigikogu (Parliament) to work. Separately, the obligation to involve interest groups (political parties) during the drafting of the bill is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and full of personal attacks, accusing the minister of "mania grandiosa," or delusions of grandeur. Although legal and logical arguments are presented, the tone remains sharp and confrontational, with the minister’s responses being dismissed as a "fairy tale." Analogies are employed (the cleaner and the boss), and there is an urgent demand for the proceedings to be suspended due to the minister's absence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data indicates active participation in the Riigikogu session during the first reading of the draft bill, focusing on the submission of procedural questions and demanding the minister's presence. The speaker is prepared to immediately respond to the minister's answers and submit proposals for altering the flow of the session (suspension of proceedings).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the Government of the Republic and a specific minister, who faces criticism both personally (accused of megalomania) and procedurally (for violating legislative regulations and exceeding their legal authority). The criticism is intense and uncompromising, demanding the suspension of the legislative process until the minister complies and procedural rules are adhered to. Separately, there is criticism regarding the insufficient involvement of political parties during the preparation of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with colleagues is demonstrated by joining Mart Helme's inquiry regarding the Minister's attendance and by emphasizing the importance of colleagues' positions. Cooperation with the government, however, is deficient, focusing instead on presenting a contradictory legal stance and highlighting procedural errors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national-level legislative processes and matters of competence between the Riigikogu and the Government of the Republic. Regional or local focus is absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data is unavailable. Although the bill concerns the Credit Institutions Act, the speaker focuses exclusively on procedural rules, rather than the economic substance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the deliberation of the draft amendment to the Political Parties Act and the Credit Institutions Act (585 SE) on procedural grounds. The speaker is acting as an opponent of the bill, stressing that the Government has violated the rules of good legislative drafting practice by failing to include all political parties.
3 Speeches Analyzed