Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Name Act and the State Fee Act (719 SE)
2025-10-22
XV Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker supports the content of the amendment to the Name Act (719 SE) but emphasizes that this is primarily a "last-ditch effort bill," which is necessary solely to avoid a 120 million euro fine related to the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility. They criticize the government's inconsistent legislative speed, contrasting the extremely fast-tracked bills linked to EU funding with domestic initiatives that have been stalled for years (for example, the rights of auxiliary police officers).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough grasp of the details regarding legislative procedures and financial issues, knowing the exact amount of the fine (€120 million) and its link to the recovery fund. They are also familiar with the technical specifics of the draft legislation, such as its brevity (one and a half pages, three sections), how long it has been sitting on the shelf (since 2015), and the new system's potential impact on the number of civil servants and the locations of service centers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is critical, skeptical, and philosophical, utilizing figurative expressions (e.g., "marinated," "the whip," "is quietly left on the shelf to die"). He presents logical arguments (financial risk) mixed with personal and historical references (Tann of the Bloody Paw) and strongly emphasizes the need to adhere to deadlines to avoid a fine.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the legislative debate, posing specific questions to the minister and referencing their previous involvement in committee discussions. They also mention a recent meeting with the minister at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, where the rights of auxiliary police officers were discussed, demonstrating their connection to the security sector.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker criticizes the government primarily on procedural and priority-setting issues, calling out the inefficiency and slowness of the legislative process. They accuse the government of employing a political-technological approach, whereby important bills (such as the Children's Day bill) are simply allowed to "quietly fade away" without ever coming to a direct vote.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient information.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker specifically mentions four service center locations that will remain operational after digitalization, in the context of implementing the Name Act: Tallinn, Pärnu, Jõhvi, and Haapsalu. He also refers to local history (Ignatsi Jaak's neighbor, Verikäpa Tann), thereby introducing a regional cultural background.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the critical need to avoid the 120 million euro fine linked to the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. He supports the efficiency gains achieved through digitalization, pointing out that this process reduces the number of officials handling name changes from a couple dozen down to just four.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the social and security aspects of the Name Act, raising the question of whether it would be possible for criminals or pedophiles to formalize a new identity. He/She also notes that the new law prohibits individuals from taking the name or symbols of the opposite sex. Furthermore, he/she expresses concern regarding the fate of the Children’s Day bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the draft bill (719 SE) amending the Name Act and the State Fees Act. While its adoption is supported, there is a strong emphasis on the need to expedite the process due to pressing EU deadlines. The secondary focus is the draft bill granting minimal rights to auxiliary police officers, the slow progress of which is currently being criticized.
5 Speeches Analyzed