Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Public Prosecutor's Office Act and the Courts Act (167 SE)
2024-02-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position focuses on strong opposition to the current impunity and lack of oversight of the Prosecutor's Office, which is considered a violation of the principles of the rule of law. He/She emphasizes that the system has failed, highlighting numerous cases of prosecutorial misconduct proven by court decisions. His/Her approach is strongly value- and results-based, demanding that citizens be protected against the arbitrary actions of the state prosecutor.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of criminal procedure law and the limitations of the administrative oversight of the Prosecutor's Office, citing the Ministry of Justice's lack of jurisdiction regarding surveillance activities and the filing of charges. To substantiate these claims, the speaker relies extensively and in detail on specific court decisions (including rulings by the Supreme Court Criminal Chamber) from 2020–2023, which evidence prosecutorial misconduct (submission of false data, falsification of evidence).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a rhetorical style that is pressing, straightforward, and occasionally confrontational, utilizing powerful emotional comparisons (for instance, describing the Prosecutor's Office as "unpunishable, just as the NKVD was in its day" or "a sacred cow in India"). He balances these emotional appeals with logical argumentation, presenting lengthy lists of factual court rulings. The language remains formal, yet it contains sharp accusations concerning the use of internal collusion and political prosecution.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislative initiator, having submitted a draft bill together with Kert Kingo to amend the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office. His activity is aimed at responding to problems arising from high-profile legal cases and public discussions (e.g., the TV show "Impulss").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the institution of the Prosecutor’s Office, which is accused of systemic abuse, impunity, and operating a "closed circle of protection." He/She also sharply criticizes the Ministry of Justice’s inability to exercise substantive oversight. Furthermore, he/she condemns the use of the Prosecutor’s Office for political purposes (citing the Porto Franco and Marti Kuusik cases), which has led to the collapse of the government and the ruin of people’s health.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is collaborating with Kert Kingo, having co-sponsored the draft legislation. He is open to questions and debate with colleagues, though he responds fiercely to criticism regarding his characterization (for instance, the comparison of Igor Taro's labeling to those who carried out deportations).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, covering the Estonian legal system and key central institutions (the Prosecutor’s Office, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of Justice). Specific court cases (from Harju and Tartu) are presented as examples of the system’s broader deficiencies.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphatically stresses citizens' rights to defense and civil liberties against the arbitrary power of state prosecution. He points out how lengthy and baseless proceedings (for example, the Kajar Lember case) destroy people's health and lives, emphasizing the necessity for the rule of law to function, not merely for people to believe in it.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the initiation and support of the draft Act amending the Public Prosecutor's Office Act and the Courts Act (167 SE). The objective is to establish effective service oversight over the activities of prosecutors by transferring this competence from the Ministry of Justice to the Supreme Court.
7 Speeches Analyzed