Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-19
Political Position
The political focus is on the protection of constitutionality and the principles of the rule of law. The speaker is strongly opposed to the draft anti-money laundering law because it violates personal inviolability and turns all citizens into potential subjects of criminal proceedings. The stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing that the Riigikogu has repeatedly committed "serious blunders" in adopting unconstitutional laws.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates profound knowledge in the fields of constitutional law and criminal procedure, clearly distinguishing between investigative surveillance activities and standard procedural measures. They utilize technical terminology (such as personal data processing and license plate recognition cameras) and reference established authorities, including top legal expert Carri Ginter. The speaker stresses that the proposed bill expands covert surveillance, currently permitted only in criminal proceedings, to include all ordinary citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely serious and critical, highlighting the gravity of the situation ("extremely serious"). It employs strong logical arguments grounded in legal definitions and references to constitutional breaches. The speaker utilizes rhetorical questions to underscore the necessity and potential avenues for halting the process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, intervening in the third reading of the draft bill and repeatedly raising questions regarding options for halting the process. They reference previous events, such as the Chancellor of Justice's three visits to the Riigikogu and laws returned by the President, demonstrating consistent concern over the quality of legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled against the actions of the Riigikogu and the government, citing " serious failures" and the repeated adoption of unconstitutional laws. The criticism targets both the substance of the law (its unconstitutionality) and the procedure used for its adoption via fast-track proceedings. The speaker demands the immediate halting of the process, not a compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It seeks institutional cooperation, proposing the convocation of the Council of Elders to discuss the matter, and pointing to the option of appealing to the Supreme Court through the constitutional review procedure. This demonstrates a willingness to utilize existing institutional mechanisms to resolve the conflict.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level and constitutional issues of the Republic of Estonia; regional or local focus is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is civil liberties and personal inviolability. The speaker strongly opposes the expansion of state surveillance capabilities targeting ordinary citizens, viewing this as a threat to fundamental rights. The position is clearly in favor of protecting civil liberties against the expanded mandates of national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the opposition to the draft Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act on the grounds of its unconstitutionality. The broader objective is to improve the quality of legislation passed by the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and prevent the adoption of unconstitutional norms, specifically by demanding that the process be halted before the third reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed