Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Inquiry Regarding Changes to 2025 Beekeeping Support for Small Beekeepers (no. 761)
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to the government’s decision to cut subsidies for small-scale beekeepers (those with fewer than 16 hives), stressing the vital importance of their work in pollination and securing the food supply. The criticism is principled, drawing a stark contrast between cutting minor subsidies and the uncontrolled waste of funds within the Ministry of Defence. The speaker is defending the interests of small communities, often composed of pensioners, against the state’s indiscriminate and ineffective budget reductions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the ecological importance of beekeeping, highlighting that pollination is the main benefit, rather than honey production, and describing the complexity of the bees' work (3 million flowers per kilo of honey). Additionally, to support their arguments, they use specific social benefit amounts (e.g., the 19.18 euro single parent allowance) and reference the National Audit Office's recent audit concerning the use of funds within the Ministry of Defence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply combative, emotional, and sarcastic, employing figurative expressions ("Moloch of war," "money is burning," "the riding horse's very thing"). The speaker contrasts emotional appeals (pensioners, the frantic labor of bees) with logical criticism regarding the government's priorities and unprofessional conduct. The Minister is the target of personal attack and ridicule, being called a "dimwit" and someone who is supposedly dealing with more important matters (e.g., pigs).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the inquiry process, having submitted the same question for the second time. No other data regarding the frequency of appearances, meetings, or travel is available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the minister and the government, who are accused of discriminating against small beekeepers and engaging in improper conduct. The criticism is intense, focusing on the government's skewed priorities (uncontrolled spending at the Ministry of Defence versus cuts to social benefits) and its indiscriminate austerity policies (e.g., 9% layoffs at the Police and Border Guard Board). The minister has been personally attacked for his alleged indifference (leaving the chamber and emphasizing the ineffectiveness of the 80-euro limit).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The data is insufficient. The speaker addresses "few colleagues," but does not mention cooperation, willingness to compromise, or cross-party activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is nationwide, emphasizing that pensioners who missed out on support live "here and there across Estonia in small communities." The topic of beekeeping is directly linked to farmers' yields and pollination work, which is crucial for the rural economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives clash with fiscal discipline, which squeezes small subsidies, while large sums (in the Ministry of Defense) are squandered uncontrollably. This position supports the subsidization of small but vital producers (such as beekeepers) and demands stricter control over state budget expenditures, criticizing the state's inability to allocate funds effectively.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the speaker is a strong proponent for maintaining social benefits, citing the support for single parents and disabled persons to demonstrate the government's inconsistency when valuing small amounts. They also stress the need to protect pensioners and residents of smaller communities from discrimination.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on reversing the 2025 beekeeping support changes (No. 761), demanding clarification and amendments regarding the minimum payout threshold for the support (€80). The objective is to protect small beekeepers from discrimination and compel the ministry to present specific calculations concerning the efficiency of subsidy payments.
2 Speeches Analyzed