Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-01-29
Political Position
The political position is strongly centered on the principles of the Constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing the role of the people as the bearer of supreme power. The fiercest opposition is directed against the growth of unlimited power among officials and the poor quality of legislation produced by the governing coalition. The stance is value-based, demanding adherence to general principles of law (e.g., the prohibition of retroactivity) and supporting the intervention of the Chancellor of Justice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in the fields of legislation, constitutional law, and criminal law. Specific legal terms are employed, such as "legitimate expectation," "abuse of official position," and "retroactive effect," with references also made to Supreme Court rulings. Particular emphasis is placed on knowledge regarding the consequences of previous legislative amendments (e.g., the abolition of provisions in the Penal Code in 2007).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and at times emotional, employing rhetorical questions and metaphors ("embarrassing," "schoolboys in the corner") to shame opponents. However, the argumentation remains strongly logical and legally grounded, referencing constitutional principles and general principles of law. The overall tone is urgent, stressing the necessity of immediately beginning to limit the power of officials.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition’s MPs and officials, whose unlimited expansion of power is under criticism. The coalition is accused of deliberately disregarding established norms and acting in bad faith, in order to fulfill promises made in the coalition agreement that violate the constitution. The criticism is intense, accusing the opponents of ignoring fundamental legal principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no mention of cooperation with intra-parliamentary colleagues, but strong support is expressed for the interventions and proposals put forth by the Chancellor of Justice. The Chancellor of Justice is viewed as a crucial institution that restricts the proliferation of bureaucratic rule and poor legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national legislation, constitutional principles, and the limits of authority of the officialdom. Regional or international focus is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives are implicit, focusing instead on regulatory clarity within the context of the amendments to the Industrial Emissions Law. The preference is for legal certainty and restricted discretion for officials, ensuring that companies can exercise their statutory rights within the stipulated timeframe.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Instead of social issues, the focus shifts to the balance between civil liberties and state power, criticizing the erosion of democratic principles (such as referendums). Emphasis is placed on the growing sense of impunity among officials, which poses a threat to the functioning of the rule of law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards correcting errors in current legislation and opposing unconstitutional bills, particularly concerning the amendments to the Industrial Emissions Act. The speaker supports the proposals of the Chancellor of Justice and is a strong opponent of the government's bills, demanding an end to granting unlimited discretion to officials.
2 Speeches Analyzed