Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Customs Act (350 SE)
2024-01-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft legislation concerning the right of customs officials to inspect postal shipments. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the need to protect constitutional rights, such as the secrecy of correspondence and the inviolability of private life. The speaker believes that the bill contradicts the constitution because the actions of customs officials constitute a covert inspection, which is effectively a surveillance operation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in constitutional law and criminal procedure. Specific legal terminology is employed (e.g., "covert investigative action," "secret search/inspection"), and direct reference is made to Section 43 of the Constitution and its commented edition. It is stressed that the decision regarding the covert inspection of an item in criminal proceedings rests exclusively with the Prosecutor's Office.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and cautionary, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation ("a very serious constitutional infringement issue"). The appeals are primarily logical and legal, relying on statutes and legal terminology. The speaker uses directed questions and suggestions to test the presenter's legal knowledge.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or pattern; only two speeches are known from the debate on a single bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at both the rapporteur of the draft bill and the substance of the legislation itself, criticizing it as an infringement of the constitution and an improper procedural step. The criticism is strictly based on policy and procedure, accusing the draft bill of legalizing secret scrutiny. As a compromise, the use of technical means (such as scanning or X-ray inspection) is being proposed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no direct information regarding the style of cooperation, but the speaker proposes a technical alternative (transillumination/scanning, modeled after airports) to avoid legal infringement. There are no references to inter-party cooperation or collaboration with colleagues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively national and legislative, addressing constitutional rights and state customs control.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are not evident, even though the topic under discussion (customs law) is related to the economy. The focus remains solely on legal and procedural aspects, emphasizing strict adherence to the law when controlling trade.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social issues, strong emphasis is placed on civil liberties and the protection of privacy. It is especially vital to ensure the secrecy of postal communications (Article 43 of the Constitution) and the inviolability of family and private life. The speaker contrasts the necessity of ensuring security with the infringement upon constitutional rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft amendment to the Customs Act (Bill 350 SE) during its first reading. The objective is to prevent the passage of the law—which, in the speaker's estimation, violates the Constitution—and to demand the implementation of alternative, technical solutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed