Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-17
Political Position
The political position opposes the massive development of wind energy, emphasizing that the government is violating the Atmospheric Air Protection Act by permitting the construction of pollution sources exceeding 250 meters in height. The stance is strongly critical, focusing on the violation of the law and the protection of human health and the natural environment. The government's actions are deemed a failure and unlawful.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the environmental and health risks associated with wind turbines, highlighting specific contaminants such as sulfur hexafluoride, toxic plastics, infrasound, and ice throw. He/She authoritatively cites sections (§ 19, § 27) of the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, as well as the 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) guideline concerning harmful effects. Emphasis is placed on the Health Board’s inability to measure infrasound, meaning the full extent of the damage remains unknown.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and insistent, employing strong emotional expressions such as "shamelessness" and "unlawful activity" directed at the Climate Minister. The speaker relies both on specific legal statutes and rhetorical questions to emphasize the government's lack of response and the gravity of the problem. He uses repetition (e.g., "highly toxic") and promises to continue the action until answers are received.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu sessions, submitting questions to get answers regarding wind turbines. He/She engages in direct communication with state institutions, mentioning a one-and-a-half-hour conversation at the Health Board last Wednesday. He/She also participates in public meetings to seek answers until those answers are provided.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government, particularly Climate Minister Yoko Alender, whose actions are being labeled unlawful and shameless due to her disregard for the law. The criticism is intense and focuses on political negligence and the failure to provide answers. The mainstream media is also being criticized for aligning itself with the government and labeling concerned citizens as "participants in a traveling circus."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data (The speeches lack references to cooperation with colleagues or other political parties.)
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broadly on national environmental and health issues concerning both offshore and onshore wind turbines throughout Estonia. The Saarde wind farm is mentioned as a specific regional example, from which the Health Board has received 20 complaints regarding the harmful effects of infrasound noise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are expressed skeptically, given that the government’s promise of cheap electricity is being labeled a myth. The speaker prioritizes the health of the Estonian people and the protection of the natural environment above economic growth or cheap energy, arguing that these are not sufficient reasons to sacrifice public health.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is public health, which is directly linked to the detrimental effects caused by wind turbines (infrasound, toxic emissions). It is emphasized that wind turbines cause serious health problems, such as insomnia and cardiac arrhythmias, and that the state lacks knowledge regarding the full scope of this damage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward the strict enforcement of the Law on the Protection of Ambient Air, particularly its provision (Section 27) that prohibits the construction of stationary emission sources above 250 meters from the ground. The speaker strongly opposes the government's activities that disregard the law and demands the immediate termination of this legal violation.
2 Speeches Analyzed