Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-08
Political Position
The political position heavily emphasizes government accountability, demanding the criminalization of false statements made by ministers as a measure to prevent anti-state activity. Furthermore, the politician supports social justice, initiating a bill to exempt pensioners and other beneficiaries from paying the hunting fee. His/Her policy is aimed at ensuring honesty and protecting the welfare of contributing citizens, while sharply criticizing "deceitful globalist politics."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of legislation and criminal law, referencing US law and the objective element of an offense. They also possess knowledge of taxation, explaining the impact of an income tax increase on net income and purchasing power, relying on terminology found in tax textbooks. When discussing the draft Hunting Act, they employ the analogy of law, referencing a specific section of the Fishing Act.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, accusatory, and insistent, especially when addressing the government, which is accused of lying to the people. It employs both legal argumentation (comparing situations to court proceedings, describing offenses) as well as personalized examples and quotes (Kaja Kallas, Mart Võrklaev, Jürgen Ligi) to create emotional impact. The speech is formal, yet it contains sharp personal judgments (e.g., "was he stupid then or is he stupid now").
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active initiator of legislation, submitting amendments to both the Hunting Act and the Penal Code. He refers to direct communication with constituents and officials, citing, for example, a proposal from the Järva County Hunting Club Council and an environmental inspector, which prompted the submission of the draft Hunting Act.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed squarely at the ruling coalition, particularly the Reform Party, accusing them of deliberate lying and deceiving the public (tax hikes, broken election promises). The criticism is intense, escalating from mere political failure to being branded "anti-state activity." He/She claims that the coalition is merely a "lackey carrying out orders given from elsewhere" and is doing this solely to hold onto power.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
This collaborative approach focuses on responding to proposals put forth by the public and officials, citing as an example the draft Hunting Act, which stemmed from concerns raised by an environmental inspector and hunters. He/She stresses that this represented "the people's opinion." There is, however, no information available regarding cross-party cooperation or the search for compromises at the level of the Riigikogu (Parliament).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is indirect, as the draft amendment to the Hunting Act was prompted by an issue raised at the council of the Järvamaa Hunting Club. Generally, his initiatives are directed toward national laws and broad political topics.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective strongly opposes tax increases, arguing that they cut into people's incomes and stifle both consumption and the ability to invest. He criticizes the government’s assertions regarding the positive impact of tax hikes, labeling them a deliberate falsehood. He also supports eliminating minor state fees for pensioners, citing their previous contributions to society, as well as the high fuel costs incurred when performing duties as hunters.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, he focuses on supporting pensioners, those illegally repressed, and persons with disabilities. He deems it appropriate to grant them minor benefits (such as exemption from hunting fees) due to their status or previous contributions to society.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on two specific bills: the amendment of the Penal Code to criminalize false testimony given by ministers in the Riigikogu, and the amendment of the Hunting Act to exempt privileged individuals (pensioners, repressed persons, and those with disabilities) from the annual hunting fee. He is the initiator of both proposals.
5 Speeches Analyzed