Session Profile: Kalle Grünthal
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-09
Political Position
The political stance centers on strong opposition to the illegal state surveillance being carried out by the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) using license plate and facial recognition cameras. The speaker emphasizes the principles of the rule of law and views the government's attempts to amend the legislation as evidence of the police's prior unlawful activities. This position is strongly value-driven, warning against the dangers of a surveillance society and demanding accountability. The objective is to halt the use of illegally collected evidence in criminal proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in the fields of criminal procedure, the admissibility of evidence, and penal law, citing sections of the Penal Code and the concept of unlawful state surveillance. This expertise is supported by specific references to the positions held by Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise and the facts compiled by attorney Ginter. The speaker is capable of differentiating the Prime Minister’s assertions (serious crimes) from the actual operational logic of the system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and urgent, employing strong language (e.g., "mumbo-jumbo," "flailing") to characterize the government's actions. The speaker relies on facts and legal arguments but adds emotional warnings regarding the dangers of a surveillance society and the illegal surveillance activities reminiscent of the Soviet era. He focuses on refuting the Prime Minister's claims, stressing that his arguments are based purely on facts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu plenary session as part of an interpellation, posing questions to the Prime Minister and challenging his responses. This indicates active involvement in parliamentary oversight mechanisms. There is no data available regarding the frequency of other activities or appearances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at Prime Minister Kristen Michal, whose answers are considered incomprehensible and "obfuscation," and at the law enforcement agencies (PPA, the Prosecutor's Office). The criticism is intense and is primarily based on accusations of legal violations, specifically accusing them of illegally carrying out state supervision. Compromise is ruled out until the individuals who acted illegally are held accountable ("a wolf does not prey on a wolf").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely domestic, addressing the legality of the PPA's computer systems and state surveillance in Estonia, and its impact on the Estonian legal order.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic considerations are constrained, highlighting the Chancellor of Justice's stance that "not a single cent" should be spent on the unlawful system. This indicates strong opposition to using public funds to finance illegal activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social issues, strong emphasis is placed on civil liberties and privacy, warning against illegal surveillance and the emergence of a surveillance society. The speaker stresses that the rule of law does not permit such activities and draws historical comparisons to the Soviet era.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the opposition to the government's attempt to retroactively legalize the illicit use of license plate recognition cameras. The speaker demands that, before the system is legalized, the individuals who carried out state surveillance illegally must be held accountable. He/She is a strong opponent of the current legislative amendment initiative, which seeks to legalize an illegal situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed