Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Work-Related Infringements of European Union Law (257 SE)
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position centers on the strict adherence to the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and legality. The speaker is strongly opposed to the committee's action of bundling together amendments submitted by various parties, considering this a violation of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act. The stance is intensely procedural and based on legal norms, demanding the immediate suspension of the reading. He emphasizes that the legislator must not abuse its rights and must comply with constitutional law.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and constitutional law, repeatedly and precisely referencing specific sections of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act (Section 13, subsection 1; Section 102, subsection 2). He/She emphasizes the significance of the law regulating the work of the legislator (a constitutional law) and demands that the opposing side name the specific legal norm (section) that would provide the basis for combining the proposals made by different individuals.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, demanding, and escalating, starting with legal arguments and concluding with a strong emotional charge. Direct references to laws are used, but the end of the speech features personal attacks and vulgar language ("Shame on you," "100 bags of shit") to emphasize the illegality and unfairness of the proceedings. The speaker addresses the chairman of the session (Jüri Ratas) directly, demanding that he act fairly.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity is concentrated on a single session day (2024-05-08), during which he/she repeatedly presented procedural questions and requests to the presiding officer and the rapporteur. This pattern indicates active participation in obstructing or challenging the legislative process, focusing specifically on the exceeding of powers by the Riigikogu Board and the committee.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the committee that managed the processing of the draft bill and its chairman, Eduard Odinets, who is accused of unlawful activities. The criticism is procedural, accusing the opposing side of violating existing law and exceeding their mandate. The intensity is very high, ranging from accusations of illegality to personal insults directed at members of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports Helir-Valdor Seeder’s proposal to suspend the reading, which demonstrates cooperation in resolving procedural matters. However, there is a complete lack of openness to compromise with the opposing party; strict and immediate adherence to existing law is demanded, citing that illegal proceedings cannot be allowed to continue.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is lacking, apart from the reference made at the end of the speech to "the phrase of the man from Võrumaa."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards the procedural correctness of handling the draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Violations of European Union Law in the Workplace (Bill 257 SE). The speaker is a strong opponent of the procedure, demanding the suspension of the reading and clarification of the unlawful activity in order to ensure compliance with the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act.
6 Speeches Analyzed