Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-04-01
Political Position
The political stance is strongly anti-government, focusing on broken promises regarding family benefits and emphasizing government accountability. It is stressed that the government’s actions (an avalanche of tax hikes) contradict the special care for large families outlined in Article 28 of the Constitution. The position is heavily value- and results-driven, criticizing the head of government for evading responsibility.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional provisions (PS § 28) and the corresponding commentaries regarding the social risks faced by large families. Furthermore, he/she is familiar with specific budget projects, highlighting the 400,000 euro expenditure for a talent search portal, as well as international defense plans (referencing Macron’s 4,000-man army).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing harsh language such as "lying" and "flippant remarks." The speaker emphasizes the government's hypocrisy (they promised an increase but then cut it) and adopts a cautionary tone, concluding with a threat of "retribution" coming from the public.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates active participation in plenary sessions, repeatedly posing questions to both the Prime Minister and various ministers, and engaging in substantial debate following the response to interpellations. The speaker is actively involved in the critical scrutiny of government activities.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the government ministers. The criticism is intense, accusing Kaja Kallas of avoiding responsibility and citing the ministers’ incompetence (specifically, their lack of information regarding Macron’s plan). The opposition is active on both the policy level (family benefits, taxes) and the procedural level (the ministers’ apparent ignorance).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is extensive, covering both national social and economic policies and international defense issues. Regional attention is evident in the criticism surrounding the closure of specific schools (Metsküla, Lehtse, Jäneda) due to a lack of funding.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the 'tax avalanche' (excise, income tax, VAT, car, sugar) which puts families with many children in a difficult position. The speaker opposes the government's spending priorities, particularly the allocation of funds to bring in talent from third countries at the expense of domestic services.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the support and protection of large families, emphasizing their risk of falling into poverty despite their constitutional protection. Additionally, immigration policy is being criticized (specifically, the importation of talent from third countries), and questions are being raised regarding the defense obligation of Estonian men and the status of mobilization-aged men arriving from Ukraine.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at opposing the government's social policy and tax laws, specifically concerning the repercussions of cutting family benefits. The speaker uses parliamentary inquiries to highlight the baselessness and incompetence of the government's decisions.
7 Speeches Analyzed