Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-24
Political Position
The speaker's political focus is on reducing the tax burden, supporting the lowering of excise duties to improve the residents' livelihood. He takes a strong, value-based stance in defense of constitutional equality and the right to peaceful protest. His political position is critical of the government and the Riigikogu leadership, accusing them of selectively applying norms and violating procedural rules.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in tax policy (specifically the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act) and legislative procedures. They reference specific legal norms, such as the Estonian Constitution and the Rules for Legislative Drafting and Normative Technique, emphasizing the requirement for the ex-post evaluation of the law's impact.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is direct, at times admonishing and critical, particularly when addressing the session chairman and the minister. Both logical arguments (references to laws and regulations) and a personal example (a solidarity strike) are used to highlight the hypocrisy. The overall tone is businesslike, but disappointment is also expressed at the end ("What a shame").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and the Speaker of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), accusing them of selectively applying the law and violating procedural rules. The government is criticized for failing to carry out mandatory post-impact assessments of the law regarding draft legislation, even though regulations require them. The criticism is intense and focuses on both policy (taxes) and procedural (lawmaking, breach of order) aspects.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level, addressing nationwide tax policy and the implementation of constitutional rights. Specific regional interests or projects are absent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for lowering excise duties (including the excise duty on natural gas) to alleviate the tax burden on the population and preserve purchasing power. The objective is to maintain the competitiveness of businesses and curb the rise in unemployment, which indicates support for a growth-oriented fiscal policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly emphasizes civil rights, defending the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. They cite their own 10-minute solidarity strike in support of teachers as an example, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the economic well-being of education workers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the amendment of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel, and Electricity Excise Duty Act to reduce the tax burden, a draft that he will introduce personally. Furthermore, there is a significant focus on the quality of legislation, requiring the government to carry out ex-post evaluations of the laws' impact.
4 Speeches Analyzed