Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft Law Amending the Waste Act (676 SE) – First Reading
2025-09-23
15th Riigikogu, 6th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly directed against regulations that restrict consumer autonomy and the right to repair, particularly concerning amendments to the Waste Act regarding battery removability. The speaker views the new regulation as serving the interests of battery and accumulator manufacturers and creating a monopoly for repair companies, positioning this directly against the interests of the Estonian people. This position is value-based, emphasizing the preservation of DIY capabilities and the ability to repair.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge of the provisions of the Waste Act and EU regulations concerning the easy removability of accumulators and batteries from devices. He/She is able to explain the practical impact of the regulation using the example of changing car batteries and uses technical terms such as "directly applicable" regulation. Furthermore, he/she shows expertise regarding the organization of work and agenda planning of the Riigikogu.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and direct, employing simplified language to explain complex regulatory issues to a wider audience. A historical comparison (referencing the Soviet era) is utilized to emphasize the value of independence, and sharp, challenging questions are put to the opposing side regarding the necessity of the regulation. The tone is predominantly logical, but it also incorporates an emotional appeal aimed at protecting the interests of the public.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active on one session day (2025-09-23), participating both in substantive legislative debates and raising procedural questions. They intervene immediately whenever they observe inefficient planning of the Riigikogu's working time, emphasizing the need to utilize all session days to the maximum extent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed against major producers (battery and accumulator manufacturers), who are accused of creating a monopoly at the expense of consumers. Procedurally, the Riigikogu Board is criticized for unreasonable scheduling of working hours, and the Reform Party is criticized for opposing the Centre Party's proposed agenda. The criticism is sharp and grounded in both policy and procedure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national (the interests of the Estonian people) and international (the transposition of EU regulations); there are no references to specific regions, local industries, or communities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize competition and consumer autonomy, standing firmly against regulations that grant monopolies to major manufacturers and their associated repair companies. Support is given to the consumer's right to perform repairs independently, thereby preventing them from being forced to use official service centers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining self-sufficiency and the ability to repair things, linking this to the historical memory of the Soviet era, when people had to fend for themselves. This reflects a value system that places personal competence and freedom ahead of corporate interests.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on processing the draft legislation amending the Waste Act (676 SE), particularly concerning the requirement for battery removability. Furthermore, attention is being paid to optimizing the organization of work within the Riigikogu and planning the agenda for the draft Motor Vehicle Tax Act.
3 Speeches Analyzed