Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
First reading of the Draft Act (728 SE) on the Gambling Act, the Gambling Tax Act, the Act amending the Gambling Tax Act, and the Act amending the Cultural Endowment Act.
2025-10-21
15th Riigikogu, Sixth Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The politician supports specific infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Tartu Grand Hall, which is being funded by changes to the gambling tax. He criticizes the 30-year stagnation of the Estonian tax system and emphasizes that new laws must be perceived by society as intuitively fair and expedient. He also takes a strong value-based stance against the preventative state model, accusing the opposing side of hypocrisy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge both in financial matters—citing examples such as the rental income of Tartu Prison (30 million) and comparing it with the revenue expected from the draft bill—as well as in the legal context. He refers to the warnings issued by the Chancellor of Justice against the model of a preventive state and is aware of the fate of previous unconstitutional draft bills (the super database).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and interrogative, employing both arguments of political expediency and strong challenges to political consistency. The tone is critical and demanding, particularly when accusing opponents of supporting the preventive state and subsequently denying it, requiring a direct explanation from them.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, raising questions during the first reading of the draft bill. He/She also references previous significant legislative events, such as the vote during the spring session supporting the creation of a super database.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Fierce opposition is directed at the bill's rapporteur and their colleagues, who are accused of hypocrisy and political inconsistency. The criticism targets their support for the model of a 'preventive state,' which is known to be unconstitutional, and it is intense, demanding an explanation of how these actions can be reconciled.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Tartu has a strong regional focus, explicitly supporting the construction of the large arena. He/She uses the rental income from the Tartu prison as a financial example, which demonstrates a clear understanding of the local context.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He/She supports directing gambling tax revenue toward specific infrastructure projects and sees the need to revise Estonia's tax system, which has been stalled for 30 years. He/She is aware of the volume of state budget revenues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Acknowledges the social problems associated with gambling, emphasizing topics of addiction treatment and problem gambling. He/She also stresses the need to ensure that legislative amendments are perceived as fair within society.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
He focuses on the draft amendment (728 SE) to the Gambling Tax Act and the related Cultural Endowment Act, acting as a critical questioner. He also raises broader constitutional issues, citing the failed legislation concerning the creation of a super database and the model of the preventive state.
2 Speeches Analyzed