Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Open mic
2025-09-23
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is staunchly anti-government, centered on criticizing the tax burden (specifically the proposed car tax) and education policy (the teachers' strike). Regarding foreign policy, it opposes the escalation of the war, issuing warnings about the threat of a Third World War should Ukraine be permitted to use US/UK long-range weaponry. The political framework is strongly value-based, emphasizing the desire for freedom and the necessity of ending the "yoke of serfdom."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of international security and armaments, citing information from US Marine Corps intelligence officer William Scott Ritter and weapon encryption systems. He also demonstrates knowledge of sociological survey methodology, criticizing the sample-based bias of Norstat studies, using Järva County and Viljandi County as examples.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is combative, urgent, and emotional, employing powerful historical and moral appeals (e.g., "the yoke of serfdom," the St. George's Night Uprising). He/She uses many personal anecdotes (a phone call with Norstat, a meeting with entrepreneurs) and direct addresses to the public in order to mobilize them. The tone is critical and accusatory, especially directed at the government and President Alar Karis, who is referred to as a "war-monger."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker presents regularly (referencing Monday's presentation) and is active on social media, where they monitor cases shared by others. They mention traveling to their home county, Järvamaa, and meeting with local entrepreneurs on weekends, which suggests active engagement with constituents outside of parliament.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and the government as a whole, who are accused of taxing the populace and engaging in manipulation. He sharply criticizes President Alar Karis for warmongering due to his promotion of the use of long-range weapons. Furthermore, he criticizes polling firms (Norstat) for falsifying ratings and manipulating them according to the client's wishes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls for broad-based citizen cooperation and joint resistance to the government's policy, urging opponents of the car tax and those demanding Kaja Kallas's resignation to support the teachers' strike. He emphasizes the need for unity (citing the German farmers' strikes), but makes no reference to cooperation with other parliamentary parties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses on both national issues and international security, but emphasizes their connection to Järvamaa. They note that Järvamaa and Viljandimaa are strongholds for the conservatives (EKRE), highlighting the regional political bias evident in the surveys.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy, which they claim has been forced upon the public, specifically citing the car tax. He expresses support for entrepreneurs, noting that business owners with high turnover do not support the Reform Party. This indicates a favorable attitude toward business circles that are dissatisfied with the government’s current policies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is education and the teachers' salary strike, which the speaker strongly supports and for which he/she calls upon the public for assistance. In framing these social problems, he/she employs historical and moral language to justify civil disobedience and the discovery of the will for freedom.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's focus is on opposing government policy and mobilizing civil society. He/She makes no mention of specific legislative initiatives, draft bills, or achievements in the field of legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed