Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Review of the Use and Preservation of State Assets in 2024–2025. Objectives and Reality in the Transport and Mobility Sector
2025-11-06
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, criticizing the procedural decisions of the Riigikogu Board (the late hearing of the Auditor General) and the government’s fiscal policy. The main themes are the complete condemnation of the activity-based budget and a deep crisis of trust in the country, which stems from unrealistic development plans and "stupid decisions." The stance is strongly performance- and value-based, emphasizing the problem of alienation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the state budget structure and metrics (activity-based budgeting), which he has studied "evenings, nights, and mornings." He also commands detailed data concerning deficits in the transport and mobility sector, referencing specific sums (e.g., 300 million for the repair of main network roads) and technical indicators (rutting indices). Furthermore, he refers to a previous State Audit Office report and the European Union's next budget plan.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, personal, and emotional, employing expressions such as "embarrassing," "humiliating," and "ridiculous." The speaker blends logical, data-driven criticism (budget and road figures) with colloquial and sarcastic phrases ("a pig wouldn't even eat that," "the size of three matchboxes"). The overall tone is worried and accusatory, stressing that while the country has many intelligent people, an unbelievable amount of foolishness is being committed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaking pattern is connected to important debates that often occur at inconvenient times (late evenings or midnight). There is also mention of participation in a faction meeting that same morning, where the EU's next budget framework and Rail Baltic were discussed. Furthermore, he/she refers to his/her consistent work analyzing the activity-based budget.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Riigikogu board—the "troika"—(cited for procedural errors, with Toomas Kivimägi being named) and the government (for incompetence, unrealistic development plans, and frankly, idiotic decisions). Politicians in general are also criticized, with the acknowledgement that even the opposition is frequently "lazy, sluggish, and complacent." The criticism is intense, spanning both procedural and political matters.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus lies on national infrastructure issues (primary network roads, gravel roads) and the domestic crisis of confidence. The international context involves the discussion surrounding the Rail Baltic project and its funding (with reference to Latvia and Lithuania), as well as comparing the budgetary system with that of Finland.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are critical of the current budget management, demanding transparency and clarity in the state's use of funds, and referencing the examples set by the previous republic and Finland. The budget itself is considered a practically useless document that fails to address actual infrastructure funding shortfalls (such as the 300 million needed for roads).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In terms of social problems, there is a sharp emphasis on the crisis of trust and alienation within society, alongside criticism of the government's claims about a "beautiful life." The situation of disabled people is highlighted in particular, as well as those who struggle to afford food at the end of the month. The government is being criticized for the 15-cent increase in disability benefits, which is widely considered ridiculous.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the second reading of the state budget, which the speaker considers a "useless document" that complicates parliamentary work. He/She is a fierce opponent of the current activity-based budget format and wants to see it abolished.
5 Speeches Analyzed