Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal

The political stance is strongly anti-government (specifically, against Kaja Kallas’s government), centered on the defense of private property and fundamental freedoms. The most salient issues are the mandatory building renovation requirement and the introduction of a car tax, both of which are treated as actions hostile to the free market and democracy. This political platform is framed around core values, drawing historical parallels with forced collectivization and the Stalinist regime. The views expressed are intensely confrontational and apocalyptic, interpreting the government’s actions as the liquidation of private property.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, particularly § 32 regarding property rights, and Supreme Court judgments, utilizing these points to argue against the mandatory renovation requirement. Furthermore, they are familiar with the energy class requirements (E and D classes) set out in the European Parliament directive and draw upon historical knowledge concerning the forced collectivization in the Soviet Union and Estonia. They also emphasize the logistical challenges faced by rural areas and the economic plight of minimum wage recipients.

The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and forceful, employing strong historical parallels (Stalinist, forced collectivization, deportations) to emphasize fear and danger. The speaker uses direct accusations against the government ("anti-people policy," "shameful") and calls upon the people to unite to "overthrow the Stalinist regime." The appeals are directed both at logic (the constitution) and emotions (historical trauma).

All the speeches were held on a single day (January 22, 2024) and focus on inquiries concerning the renovation obligation and the car tax. The pattern demonstrates the linking of political topics (renovation, car tax) into a broader narrative about the elimination of private property.

The main opponents are Kaja Kallas’s government, Kaja Kallas herself, and Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev. The criticism is extremely intense and non-political, accusing the government of pursuing anti-people policies and establishing a Stalinist regime. The opposition is absolute, calling on the public to overthrow the government, thereby signaling that compromise is completely ruled out.

This style of cooperation is aimed at mobilizing political allies (referencing Arvo Aller and Mart Helme) and the broad public (teachers, the 76,000 people who signed against the car tax) against the government. The speaker emphasizes the need to rally together and stand united to oppose the government's policy. There are no references to a willingness to compromise or cross-party cooperation.

The regional focus is clearly aimed at residents of rural areas who live on minimum wage and rely on a car to access work, shops, and school. It is stressed that bus service cannot be counted on in these regions, meaning the car tax will disproportionately affect rural inhabitants.

The economic outlook is heavily focused on protecting private property rights and the free market. The speaker opposes new taxes (such as the car tax) and mandatory renovation costs, viewing them as tools for the liquidation of private property, comparable to historically excessive burdens. He emphasizes that property rights guarantee a free market.

Among social issues, the protection of citizens' fundamental freedoms and property rights against government coercion is emphasized, referencing constitutional protection. Support is also mentioned for teachers who have taken a stand against the government, and a call is issued for national unity.

The legislative focus is currently centered on opposition: specifically, the building renovation mandate stemming from the European Union directive and the government's planned car tax are being challenged. The speaker positions themselves as a staunch opponent of these initiatives, demanding concrete measures from the government against the protesters.