Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Inquiry Concerning the Support of the Birth Rate (No. 812)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance focuses heavily on halting the decline in the birth rate, which is viewed as an existential threat to the Estonian state and its defense capabilities. He criticizes the government’s priorities, particularly the massive expenditure on armament at the expense of addressing demographic issues, asking what the weapons are needed for if there is no one left to send to the front line. The position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the need to ensure the viability and vitality of the Estonian people and culture in accordance with the preamble of the constitution.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in demographic data by citing specific birth figures (under 10,000 and 9,000) and the proportion of boys. His arguments rely heavily on the analysis provided by economics professor Raul Eamets, particularly regarding defense capabilities and the scarcity of soldiers. He is also knowledgeable about previous state structures, such as the position of the Minister of Population and the Special Commission on Population Issues.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is pressing and critical, emphasizing the gravity of the demographic crisis and the government's inaction. Both statistical data and emotional appeals are employed, linking the issue of the birth rate to national defense and social tragedies (such as the Nõo case). He also criticizes the procedural context, noting that the discussion took place "under the cover of night" in an empty hall.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in Riigikogu debates, while simultaneously criticizing the discussion of important topics being conducted "under the cover of night" and in an empty hall. He/She refers to his/her previous work as the last chairman of the Special Committee on Population Issues. He/She also mentions having spoken with younger people about their fears regarding starting a family.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government, which is strongly criticized for its wrong priorities (weapons procurement vs. the population) and for its inaction. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of ignoring the state's fundamental objective and of abolishing the position of the Minister of Population. He/She also criticizes the government's stance that the birth rate is a "law of nature" and that nothing significant can be done.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is calling for cross-party cooperation to solve birth rate and demographic problems, emphasizing that this issue should remain outside of political confrontations and "red lines." There is no information available regarding ongoing cooperation or compromises with other political parties.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is predominantly national (the vitality of the Estonian people, defense capability), but to illustrate social problems, the recent tragic incident in Nõo, Tartu County, is brought up as an example. The Nõo incident is used as a symbol to emphasize the necessity of raising every child to be a normal human being.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He/She strongly supports increasing state expenditures to support families and children, specifically mentioning financial benefits, free extracurricular activities, and sports training. He/She criticizes the government's attempts to save "pennies" (for example, by consolidating registration points) at the expense of the population's long-term viability. Furthermore, he/she questions the massive spending on weaponry when there is a lack of human resources available to utilize them.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social concern is the decline in the birth rate and ensuring the vitality of the Estonian nation, referencing the preamble of the constitution. Concern is expressed regarding the effect of "war hysteria" on young people's desire to start a family, and a warning is issued that the land will not remain empty, but will instead be filled with migrants (Ukrainians, those from Africa). It emphasizes the need to ensure that every child born grows up to be a normal and happy person.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at prioritizing population policy, while criticizing the government for dealing with less crucial draft legislation, such as consolidating birth registration locations. It demands legislative measures to ensure financial support and free extracurricular activities. It also deplores the abolition of the position of Minister of Population and the special committee, which indicates that demographic issues are not a priority for the government.
5 Speeches Analyzed