Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Inquiry concerning the justification of the activities of the Prosecutor's Office and the Security Police Board (KaPo) (No. 528)
2024-03-18
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on the alleged abuse of power structures (the Prosecutor's Office, KaPo/Internal Security Service), which are claimed to function as the "fist of the deep state" used to eliminate political opponents. The speaker adopts a strongly negative stance regarding the lack of oversight of the Prosecutor's Office's activities, labeling it a "sacred cow." The focus is value-driven, highlighting the violation of rule of law principles and the dangerous implications for political criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the details of criminal procedure and the operations of investigative bodies (the Prosecutor's Office, the Security Police/KaPo). This includes addressing the timing of filing suspicions/charges, witness tampering, and the leaking of data to the press. Specific terminology, such as "fabricating the suspicion" (or "cooking up the charges"), is employed, and reference is made to the control mechanisms of the anti-corruption act. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the media's role as a tool for investigative agencies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, dramatic, and cautionary, employing strong metaphors such as "deep state" and "the fist." The speaker relies on personal anecdotes (their story about refueling, renting an apartment) and the Kalle Laanet case to illustrate a systemic problem. The appeal is primarily emotional, warning Riigikogu members against criticizing the power structures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to the statement made on Kanal 2 last Monday concerning the influencing of witnesses, which demonstrates active engagement with the media. Previous meetings with Prosecutor Parmas and involvement in the previous composition of the Riigikogu are also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the security and law enforcement agencies (the Prosecutor’s Office and KaPo), who are accused of political targeting, witness tampering, and fabricating the charges. The criticism is intense and systemic, alleging that the Prosecutor’s Office is unchecked and operates with impunity ("They don't touch their own"). Furthermore, the press is viewed as a tool of the Prosecutor’s Office, helping to shape the necessary public opinion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation demonstrates a readiness to recognize the positions of other politicians (such as Jürgen Ligi) when those positions coincide with the speaker's own criticism regarding the activities of the Prosecutor's Office. The speaker addresses colleagues respectfully, but their main objective is to caution them against criticizing the security structures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues rests on the principles of the rule of law and political freedom, emphasizing the danger that stems from the unchecked nature of security agencies and political pressure. It is specifically highlighted that the prosecutor’s office operates with impunity, and this situation poses a threat to democracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the need to establish a real control mechanism for the activities of the Prosecutor's Office, pointing out that the current Prosecutor's Office Act precludes any form of oversight. Also mentioned is the complexity of completing the declaration of interests and the right of a special commission to verify it.
2 Speeches Analyzed