Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Advertising Act and the Personal Data Protection Act (Bill 696 SE)
2025-10-21
15th Riigikogu, Sixth Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the unclear and rushed implementation of the directly applicable European Union regulation, describing the situation as "schizophrenic" and a "take-it-or-leave-it" state of affairs. Emphasis is placed on the risk that unclear rules and massive fines (up to 20 million euros) could allow political opponents to be "destroyed" or "ruined." The stance is strongly value-based, stressing the lack of Estonian dignity when challenging EU requirements.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the hierarchy of EU legal acts (Regulation, Directive, Recommendation) and their national implementation (the roles of the PPA vs. the TTJA). Specific data is used, such as the Reform Party's advertising expenditure (€105,321) and discrepancies in election results, to illustrate the problem of disseminating false information. Legal ambiguity in distinguishing between political advertising and political commentary is also emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, sarcastic, and emotionally charged, describing the situation as "absurdity" and an "embarrassing game." It utilizes both logical arguments regarding the ambiguity of the law and direct accusations (the lying of the Reform Party's mayoral candidate), as well as strong metaphors (e.g., Hungary as a "mangy dog"). The tone is generally frustrated and concerned.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All interventions concern the debate of the first reading of one specific draft law (Bill 696 SE) in the Riigikogu, during which the speaker repeatedly raised questions and stated positions. There is no data available regarding broader activity or the frequency of their appearances.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the Reform Party, which is being accused of spreading obviously false and costly disinformation (such as the Maris Lauri campaign). Criticism is also directed at the Minister of Justice and the officials who have left the substance of the law ambiguous, thereby granting them excessive political influence. Furthermore, the Estonian government's lukewarm resistance to EU regulations is also being criticized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style refers to the broad consensus in the chamber regarding the absurdity of the draft legislation ("the entire floor broadly grasps its absurdity"), yet no direct cooperation or compromise with the opposition is proposed. Rather, emphasis is placed on a shared recognition of the situation's complexity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and the international level (EU regulations, Hungary's position). The local topic (an advertisement for a mayoral candidate) is used merely as an example of the untruthfulness of political advertising and the dangers associated with it.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives highlight the regulatory threat, warning that vague rules and potentially massive fines (up to 20 million euros) could lead to political parties going bankrupt or ceasing to exist entirely. The high costs of political advertising (105 321 euros) are also emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on Bill 696 SE, which seeks to amend the Advertising and Personal Data Protection Act. The speaker is a staunch critic of the current implementation approach, slamming it as a rushed "PPA rescue bill" that delegates vague provisions to regulatory officials (TTJA) and was enacted without proper consideration.
4 Speeches Analyzed