Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The speaker's position is strongly oppositional and populist, focusing on legally and procedurally challenging the actions of the government and the Riigikogu Board. The main themes include violations of law in Parliament, false statements made by ministers, and the defense of the people's rights (e.g., opposition to the car tax, support for the teachers' strike). The political framework is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the principles of the rule of law and the restoration of parliamentary dignity.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the Parliament's Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and constitutional law, constantly referencing specific sections and legal dogmatics (e.g., Section 18, Section 72, the presumption of innocence, restriction of rights). He/She employs legal arguments both when introducing bills and when challenging the actions of the session chair, demanding legally sound constructions.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is predominantly confrontational, aggressive, and moralizing, repeatedly leveling direct accusations at the session chair regarding violations of the law and the fabrication of untruths. He uses strong emotional appeals (e.g., "you are playing with fire," "shameful," "cancer") and populist phrases ("Estonian banana republic"), while backing up his positions with legal details. He also employs dramatic gestures, such as declaring a strike and presenting a smoked pig’s head as a gift.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is extremely active during Riigikogu sessions, focusing primarily on raising procedural questions and initiating bills. His pattern of activity includes constant disputes with the Riigikogu Board regarding the propriety of the procedure, and the public criticism of ministers and officials for making false statements. He also refers to his previous work within the parliamentary faction and personal incidents covered by the media.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Riigikogu Board (Lauri Hussar, Toomas Kivimägi) and government ministers (Kristen Michal, Margus Tsahkna). The criticism is intense, targeting both specific political decisions (the car tax) and procedural violations (the overemphasis on the committees' right to self-organization). He publicly accuses ministers and officials of lying and engaging in anti-state activity, while simultaneously rejecting the "exceptions" proposed by the Board.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker operates largely independently, submitting draft legislation and challenging procedures. Previous cooperation with the EKRE faction has ended, but they refer to bills submitted in the faction’s name and support the positions of other opposition members (e.g., Korobeinik, Seeder, Kaljulaid) in procedural disputes. Cooperation with the government is ruled out, with the focus instead being on confrontation.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national and legislative. Regional focus is only evident indirectly, citing examples of events that occurred in Võrumaa (allied soldiers) and referencing the Estonian people more broadly, but specific regional interests are not emphasized.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to taxes (specifically the motor vehicle tax) and advocates for financial relief for citizens, having submitted a draft bill aimed at reducing the basic fees charged by bailiffs. They support the indexation of benefits for reservists and the exemption of pensioners from the hunting permit fee, emphasizing social justice and the state's responsiveness.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker forcefully stresses the protection of the rule of law and civil liberties, particularly against the violation of the presumption of innocence in the media and political arena. He defends Estonian nationalism and criticizes the police for the malicious application of Section 151¹ of the Penal Code. Furthermore, he demands that taxi drivers possess B1-level Estonian language proficiency to ensure adequate service quality.
62 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priorities include amendments to criminal law (presumption of innocence, penalties for ministers providing false testimony, and the repeal of Section 151¹) and changes to the National Defence Service Act to index benefits for reservists. He is an active initiator, concentrating on draft legislation designed to limit the power of the government and officials while protecting citizens.
62 Speeches Analyzed