Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

2025-02-27

Political Position
The speaker takes a firm stance against the construction of wind farms, emphasizing the lack of knowledge concerning their health impacts and referencing WHO guidelines. The political position is aimed at criticizing the government's actions and accountability, demanding specific answers from ministers and accusing them of negligence regarding the health of the Estonian people. Another key focus is the strict observance of parliamentary procedure, requiring the session chair to fulfill their obligation in ensuring that answers are provided. These positions are strongly value-based and critical of the government's activities.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in knowing the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, citing specific sections (§ 146, subsection 8) concerning the duties of the session chair. They are familiar with the topic of the health effects of wind turbines, referencing the 2018 WHO guideline regarding health disorders. Furthermore, the speaker claims to have actively communicated with the Health Board (Terviseamet), learning about their lack of necessary equipment and expertise in measuring the damage.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly confrontational, accusatory, and emotional, centering on the minister's personal responsibility and lack of integrity. The speaker levels direct accusations of lying ("two instances of lying") and demands that the deceit cease. Strong emotional appeals are employed, calling into question the minister's concern for the health of the Estonian people, along with a simple analogy (a vehicle technical inspection) used to clarify the arguments.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, participating both in procedural disputes with the presiding officer and by posing substantive questions to ministers. The pattern demonstrates persistence in demanding specific answers and recalling previous ministerial statements. All contributions originate from a single session day, which suggests intensive participation in the debate.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the presiding officer (for disregarding procedural rules) and the cabinet minister (for ignoring health matters, negligence, and deceit). The criticism is intense, directly accusing the minister of dishonesty and disregard for public health. The standoff is both procedural and personal, with a total unwillingness to compromise.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker references the questions raised by Rene Kokk and Martin Helme to support their argument regarding the duties of the session chairman. This suggests collaboration with certain fellow faction members when submitting procedural questions. There is absolutely no indication of any willingness to compromise with either the government or the session chairman.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, particularly the organization of parliamentary work and nationwide energy projects (wind farms). Concerns related to the health of the Estonian people are highlighted, but specific regions or local communities are not mentioned.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data

4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is public health, highlighting the potential detrimental impact of wind turbines on human health and referencing complaints regarding the deterioration of health conditions. The stance is strongly protective, demanding diligence and scientific knowledge from the government before proceeding with the projects. Health issues are framed as a matter of moral responsibility.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward the strict adherence to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly concerning the ministers' obligation to respond and the role of the session chair. Substantively, the focus is on the opposition to the construction of wind farms where knowledge of their health effects is lacking, pointing to the need for oversight similar to a technical inspection.

4 Speeches Analyzed