Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Act (682 SE) on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the Execution of Prison Sentences of the Kingdom of Sweden in the Republic of Estonia
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position stands firmly against the agreement between Estonia and Sweden concerning the enforcement of prison sentences (682 SE), emphasizing that the government prioritizes foreign inmates over domestic social needs purely for the sake of financial gain. This position is forcefully articulated, criticizing the government’s low credibility and instability, and predicting that the agreement will be revoked following the next elections. The stance is primarily outcome-driven, focusing on the misplacement of the government’s priorities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in criminal policy and prison management, citing specific costs (€3,200 versus €8,500 per inmate per month) and prison capacity (333 available places). They are familiar with the shifts in Estonian penal policy, criticizing its "human-faced" direction, and use a detailed description of the recent Tarmo case as an example of the policy's failure. They also know the history of the opening of Tartu Prison and the related political conflicts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is ironic, sharp, and highly combative, employing the ironic term "dear guests" when describing the Swedish prisoners. The speaker combines an emotional appeal (addressing themes of security and social justice) with concrete financial data and a detailed narrative (Tarmo's case) to criticize the government. He uses dramatic comparisons, referring to the attack on Tarmo as a "Taliban-like attack."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech is part of the continuation of the first reading of the Riigikogu bill. The speaker refers to upcoming activities, noting that next week, Tarmo's case will be discussed in the Legal Affairs Committee with the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Interior. This demonstrates active participation both in plenary sessions and in committee work.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the current government coalition (Reform Party, Eesti 200), whose credibility is deemed "ridiculous" and who is forcing the bill through. The criticism is policy-based (specifically regarding the setting of priorities) and predicts that this group will no longer be running the country in a year and a half. The opposition is intense and uncompromising.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is evident within the opposition bloc, as the speaker refers to the Centre Party's proposal to reject the draft bill, noting that this is already the umpteenth time this has happened. There is no indication of any willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation regarding the issue at hand. Furthermore, cooperation with Sweden concerning the prisoner treaty has also faced strong criticism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is directed towards South Estonia, particularly Tartu and its immediate vicinity (Tartu Prison, Emajõgi, Annelinn, Nõo, Nõgiaru). These locations are used to illustrate specific failures in crime and penal policy, thereby linking local security issues with national policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments highlight the misallocation of state financial priorities, criticizing the millions of euros being generated by housing foreign prisoners. The speaker demands that the funds be redirected to the social sector, specifically for paying unfunded items like disability benefits, raising the subsistence minimum, and providing birthday allowances for pensioners.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Public safety and criminal policy are at the forefront of social issues. The speaker sharply criticizes the softening of sentencing policy (dubbed "humane"), which allows dangerous criminals to be released, and emphasizes the danger that Swedish inmates (rapists, murderers) pose to Estonian society. Security should be the priority, not coddling criminals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposition to the ratification of the Swedish Prisoner Agreement (682 SE) and the proposal for its rejection. Furthermore, previous unsuccessful proposals to increase social benefits (disability allowance, the subsistence minimum, and support for pensioners) are mentioned, for which funding was not secured.
3 Speeches Analyzed