Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
First Reading of the Bill to Amend the Police and Border Guard Act (370 SE)
2024-05-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports changing the text of the police officers' oath to restore allegiance to "the people" and "the Republic of Estonia," viewing this as substantive and historically significant. The political position is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the role of the people as the bearer of the highest state power and warning against the dangers of federalization. He/She criticizes a previous shift in the oath's wording, which, in his/her estimation, led to the police becoming detached from the populace.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in Estonian legal history and constitutional order, specifically referring to the 1991 Supreme Council Presidium decree and the articles of the constitution. He engages in a detailed semiotic and substantive analysis concerning the wording of the oath, explaining, for example, the different meanings of the words "to be" and "to remain." This expertise is utilized to justify the four principles of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, relying on historical and legal arguments to underscore the substantive importance of the bill. The speaker employs both logical justification (comparisons to the constitution) and emotional appeal, referencing police conduct during the COVID period. The tone is serious and cautionary, highlighting the profound significance of potential future historical developments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the former decision-makers who removed the words "nation" and "Republic" from the oath, and at the police who acted unjustly against the public during the COVID period. He accuses the police of assaulting the public during demonstrations and of carrying out illegal searches that degrade human dignity. The speaker stresses that this is not an obstructionist bill, thereby distancing himself from procedural opposition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker requests the support of all members of the Riigikogu for the draft legislation, stressing its substantive core and appealing for assistance. There is no information regarding existing cooperation or willingness to compromise, but he/she calls for broad-based support.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing the sovereignty of the Republic of Estonia, the constitutional order, and the Estonian people. The international/supranational level is also a focus, specifically referring to the federalization processes occurring within the European Union as a potential threat.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme revolves around policing and civil rights, stressing the police's fidelity to the public while criticizing previous actions that degraded human dignity during demonstrations. The speaker prioritizes the protection of the populace and conscientious police service, placing civil liberties and public loyalty at the center of the legal amendment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating the draft Act amending the Police and Border Guard Act (370 SE), which centers on restoring and supplementing the text of the police officer's oath. The speaker is the initiator of this substantive draft Act, which is based on historical principles.
1 Speeches Analyzed