Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-19
Political Position
The political focus is on the insufficient compensation of reservists and ensuring the will to defend, emphasizing that the state owes a moral debt to its soldiers. The speaker sharply contrasts this with the inaction of the Reform Party government and the priorities set by Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, placing human resources ahead of "metal" (meaning military hardware/equipment). He demands immediate solutions, not just government promises that push the problem off until 2026.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker provided detailed information regarding compensation rates for reservists (e.g., 37 euros per day for a soldier) and the mechanisms for indexing them, proposing a specific coefficient (1.3) along with the calculation methodology. He referenced proceedings initiated by the Chancellor of Justice and the 2.6 billion euro payment to NGOs identified by the National Audit Office, demonstrating knowledge of national defense funding and legal processes. Furthermore, he demonstrated an understanding of the nuances involved in interpreting the draft law within the committee.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is sharp, direct, and highly emotional, using letters from reservists to underscore the gravity of the situation and appeal directly to the audience's conscience. The speaker employs powerful metaphors ("the king is naked," the government "spits in the face of reservists") and accuses the government of blatant disregard. Although specific figures are presented, the argumentation is primarily moral and value-based, stressing the urgent need for immediate action.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's modes of operation include initiating a draft bill and defending it in the Riigikogu committee and the plenary session. He/She actively responds to direct letters from reservists, which prompted the submission of the bill, and participates in a heated debate over the Minister of Defense's inaction.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, who are sharply criticized for neglecting reservists and for the work left undone over the past eight years. The criticism is aimed at political negligence and the incorrect setting of priorities, while also accusing the Ministry of Finance of providing an "arrogant" response. The speaker considers the government's actions to be "vile and brazen behavior."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic, acknowledging the serious approach of the National Defence Committee to the issue, but rejecting the proposals to withdraw or postpone the draft legislation. He proposes sending the bill for a second reading in order to refine the legal wording and reach an acceptable resolution.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly at the national level, concentrating on Estonia's defense capability and reservists. Internationally, the provision of foreign aid (missions to Ukraine, Kenya, Moldova, Georgia, Mali) is criticized at a time when the domestic soldier is underfunded.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support reprioritizing the state budget to immediately increase compensation for reservists, arguing that funding sources (such as the 2.6 billion allocated to NGOs) already exist. The speaker criticizes government spending that favors large corporations and officials, describing the state as a "pyramid scheme run by network marketers." He opposes placing the obligation to compensate reservists for lost wages onto employers.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, attention is focused on the decline in defense readiness and soldier morale, stemming from inadequate pay and government indifference. Earlier decisions are also criticized—decisions that resulted in experienced specialists (for example, due to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination) leaving the armed forces.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is a draft amendment aimed at the annual indexation of the allowance paid for reservists' participation in training exercises, using a coefficient of 1.3. The speaker is the initiator of the bill and is attempting to refine its legal interpretation to ensure immediate entry into force, rather than relying on a ministerial regulation.
14 Speeches Analyzed