Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-23
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the actions of the government (the Reform Party) in the areas of sovereignty, the economy, and social policy. The most acute issues are the selling off of Estonia's resources, tax increases, and the implementation of Brussels' dictates, against which the public is called upon to resist. The political platform is strongly value-based, emphasizing the constitutional order and the role of the people as the ultimate source of power.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of international law protocols (CEDAW, Convention on the Rights of the Child) and their impact on Estonia's three-tiered judicial system and the Constitution. Furthermore, they are familiar with issues concerning energy (offshore wind farms) and mineral resources (phosphorite, rare earth metals), as well as the constitutional rights of local authorities. The speaker refers to the work of the Social Affairs Committee and the report submitted by the children's delegation to the UN, thereby demonstrating procedural awareness.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, populist, and insistent, especially when discussing issues of sovereignty and the economy. Strong metaphors are employed (e.g., "steamroller," "the jaw-flapping club," "ballast"), along with direct emotional appeals to the public. The speech concludes with a call for spontaneous resistance against the government's "brutality," balancing the legal analysis with a powerful emotional charge.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All presentations took place during a single day of the plenary session, where both questions and longer speeches regarding the draft legislation were given. Participation in the work of the Social Affairs Committee was mentioned, and reference was made to the recent visit of a children's delegation to the committee. Eight minutes of speaking time were also requested.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party government and coalition, which is accused of selling off Estonia's resources, violating the constitution, and acting as Brussels' lackey. The criticism is intense and accusatory, charging the government with a policy of driving the people out (or "impoverishing the populace") and labeling their actions as "brutality." Compromise is ruled out because the government "rides roughshod over" the opposition "all the time."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is demonstrated through the praise given to colleague Rain Epler (EKRE faction) for his sharp intellect and significant exposé, suggesting positive relationships within the faction. When dealing with the government, there is a total absence of readiness to compromise, highlighting the opposition's failure to halt the government's steamroller.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national sovereignty and international relations (the UN, Brussels), but specific regional examples are utilized. Regionally, mention is made of the closure of the Metsaküla and Tapa schools, as well as the threat of stripping local governments of their decision-making authority when establishing wind farms.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing income tax, VAT, vehicle taxes, and excise duties. They oppose the selling off of Estonia’s natural resources (wind farms, phosphorite, groundwater) and accuse the government of serving the interests of large corporations and banks. Government policy is viewed as aiming to turn pensioners and large families into "ballast" (dead weight) and effectively drive the population out of the country.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socially, the focus is on protecting the rights of women, children, and large families, criticizing the government's reduction of benefits. The issue of men lacking the right to recourse (or: the right to file complaints) within international protocols is being raised, demanding that their rights be protected as well. Emphasis is placed on children's right to attend a school close to home.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a process which has prompted both constitutional questions and doubts regarding its overall necessity. Furthermore, the draft bill is viewed as a new opposition instrument that women and children could utilize, via the UN, to impede government policies (such as cuts to child benefits).
5 Speeches Analyzed