Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft law amending the Defence Service Act (563 SE) - first reading
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly focuses on valuing the human resources of national defense, demanding an immediate and indexed increase in the pay for reservists' training exercises. The speaker harshly criticizes the Reform Party government and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur for eight years of inaction and neglect toward soldiers. His approach is strongly value- and results-based, emphasizing that the state must take care of those who are ready to defend Estonia.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the reservist compensation system, highlighting specific daily allowances (e.g., 37 euros) and the calculation used to increase them (a coefficient of 1.3). The speaker supports his/her arguments with letters and financial data provided by reservists, detailing their economic hardships (loans, leases). Furthermore, the speaker references the proceedings initiated by the Chancellor of Justice of the Republic of Estonia to underscore the urgency of the issue.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, direct, and forceful, employing strong emotional language to criticize the government's negligence ("spits in the face," "the king is naked"). The speaker personalizes the issue by reading aloud letters from reservists, contrasting the low pay of soldiers with the high salaries of Riigikogu (Parliament) members and the state's external expenditures. He/She emphasizes the urgent need to act immediately, rather than postponing solutions.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has introduced a specific draft law (563 SE) in response to appeals received from reservists in April and December of 2024. He has actively participated in defending the bill within the National Defence Committee and is now presenting his position in the Riigikogu chamber, emphasizing that he is completing the work the Minister of Defence failed to do.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The strong opposition is directed at the Reform Party government and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, who stand accused of eight years of inaction and neglecting the human resources vital for national defense. The criticism is twofold: policy-based (insufficient armament acquisition, failure to increase compensation) and procedural (postponing the resolution until 2026). The speaker also criticized the Ministry of Finance for its "arrogant" attitude when demanding sources of funding.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledged the serious approach of the National Defence Committee to the draft bill, but rejected proposals to withdraw the bill or postpone the debate. He/She demonstrated a willingness for a technical compromise, proposing amendments to the wording during the second reading, to avoid legal misinterpretation in the calculation of indexation.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national security and Estonia’s defense capability, emphasizing the need to protect Estonia. On the international stage, the speaker criticizes Estonia’s financial contributions to foreign countries (Ukraine, Kenya, Moldova, Georgia) and costly peacekeeping missions (Mali), demanding that domestic defense spending for the benefit of the people be made a priority.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the need to channel state funds into the welfare of soldiers, ensuring they receive cost-of-living-adjusted compensation that would cover their housing and lease obligations. He criticizes government spending on NGOs and the green transition (wind farms), proposing the 2.6 billion euros identified by the State Audit Office as potential sources of funding. The speaker contrasts the interests of the common soldier with those of large business owners and high-ranking state officials, suggesting the state functions like a pyramid scheme.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on providing economic and moral support to reservists and their families, directly linking their welfare to the nation's will to defend itself. He criticizes the previous dismissal of specialists over COVID-19 vaccination requirements, deeming it shameful and detrimental to the quality of personnel.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the amendment of the Defence Forces Service Act (Bill 563 SE) to establish the annual indexation of the reservists' training assembly allowance using a coefficient of 1.3. The speaker is the initiator of the bill and emphasizes the need to immediately legalize this amendment to compel the government to carry out the work they have failed to address through a ministerial regulation.
14 Speeches Analyzed