Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft law amending the Public Health Act (617 SE) – first reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is firmly focused on ending the practice of changing the clocks (Daylight Saving Time), which is framed as a measure to improve public health and meet the expectations of the people. The speaker stresses the necessity of Estonia's independent decision-making authority, questioning the obligation to follow orders (directives) originating from Brussels when those orders damage local interests. The stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing health and sovereignty.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the negative health impacts of daylight saving time, citing specific research (such as TTÜ and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine) and statistical evidence (a 5% rise in heart attacks and an increase in accidents). Furthermore, detailed knowledge was presented regarding Estonia's prior time regulation (1999–2002) and the legal arguments surrounding the failure to transpose European Union directives.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone of the address is mostly argumentative, occasionally becoming emotional and insistent, particularly when discussing public health and national sovereignty (e.g., "this nonsense," "a threatening signal"). The rhetoric skillfully balances reliance on scientific data (expert opinions, research) with value-based appeals concerning independence, drawing a historical parallel between the directives issued by Moscow and Brussels.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active proponent and advocate for the legislative initiative, participating in the bill's first reading and referencing previous discussions held within the Social Affairs Committee. He/She is fully aware of the positions held by the ministries (the Ministry of Social Affairs, MKM) and other members of the Riigikogu (Signe Riisalo, Mr. Lees), and responds to them immediately.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are those who are obstructing the processing of the draft legislation on procedural grounds, citing European Union directives. Criticism is aimed at the actions of the Reform Party (Mr. Lees) and officials (representatives of ministries) who prioritize Brussels' mandates over public health. The speaker also criticizes the authority granted to the Committee on European Union Affairs regarding the approval of directives, deeming it unconstitutional.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is seeking support from the entire Riigikogu, stressing that in the absence of a committee decision, the right to decide rests with all members of parliament. He notes the partial agreement from ministry representatives (MKM, SM) regarding the harmfulness of changing the clocks (daylight saving time), but rejects their procedural objections. He remains open to a compromise on the specific time zone (UTC+2 or UTC+3) during the second reading.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national (the Estonian people, local communities) and international (European Union directives, Estonia’s role as a trendsetter in Europe). The speaker highlights specific domestic impacts, such as the economic damage incurred by dairy herds and farmers, as well as research conducted by Tallinn University of Technology.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The practice of changing the clocks is viewed as economically detrimental because it reduces people's productivity and causes direct losses in milk production. It also causes confusion in transportation and work time accounting. The speaker rejects claims that ending Daylight Saving Time would create major economic and organizational problems, citing successful previous practice (1999–2002).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
At the core of these social issues is public health, which changing the clocks significantly harms. Specific emphasis is placed on sleep disorders, dangerous cardiovascular disorders, mood disorders, the growing number of suicides, and the increased frequency of accidents. Improving health and working capacity is the primary objective of this draft bill.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is amending the Public Health Act with the aim of ending the practice of changing clocks in Estonia, based on scientific data and public support. The speaker is the initiator and defender of the bill, stressing that Estonia should be a trendsetter in Europe. He/She emphasizes that the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) possesses the necessary legislative competence to achieve this.
9 Speeches Analyzed