Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Inquiry regarding the energy sector (no. 724)
2025-04-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most striking topic is the 2.6 billion euro offshore wind farm deal, toward which the speaker expresses strong opposition and profound doubt. The political stance is based on performance and values, focusing on the opacity of government activity and the potential manipulation of assets. The speaker recognizes the more sensible line adopted by the current coalition, which withdrew the earlier plan, but demands explanations as to how it became possible in the first place.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the energy sector's timelines (auctions in April) and financial volumes (2.6 billion euros). He refers to the European Union's "Net-Zero Industry Act" and quotes an anonymous but authoritative energy expert to explain the rationale behind the decisions. He is aware of the dates of key political events (the introduction of the directive, the expulsion of the Social Democrats from the government).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is sharp, suspicious, and directly confrontational, demanding "clear, non-evasive answers" from the Prime Minister. Dramatic and personal language is employed ("the root of all evil," "the troika," "the baroness," addressing [the PM] as "Kristen") to underscore the questionable nature and lack of transparency in the government's actions. The style includes a strong appeal to investigative journalism, referencing a topic worthy of the Bonnier Prize.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is participating in a parliamentary interpellation session (Riigikogu inquiry), where they are posing repeated questions regarding the government's decision-making process. They reference their prior actions, including discussions with energy experts and media monitoring. Their pattern of activity includes a public appeal to investigative journalists and colleagues to pursue the matter further.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of the criticism are former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, the former coalition partner (Mr. Läänemets)—who is being called "the root of all evil"—and the then-Climate Minister. The criticism is intense and includes both procedural accusations (a strange meeting, a shaky performance) and ethical ones (a grand-scale shuffling of wealth). The current Prime Minister is being treated as more reasonable than her predecessor, but accountability and explanations are still being demanded of her.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach centers on engaging colleagues and investigative journalists, urging them to look into the underpinnings of government actions and suspicious decisions. There is no mention of seeking compromises with the ruling coalition or pursuing bipartisan legislative work. He also mentions having conversations with energy experts to validate his positions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian energy policy and taxpayers' money) and the international level (references to EU directives and sums on a European scale). A specific regional focus is lacking, although the topic concerns offshore wind farms.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker expresses strong opposition to the government policy that funnels large amounts of taxpayer money into the pockets of renewable energy entrepreneurs. This indicates fiscal conservatism and opposition to the interests of state-backed businessmen, stressing the need to protect taxpayers from the "redistribution of wealth."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on scrutinizing the government's activities and submitting inquiries, especially concerning the transparency of major energy procurements and political decisions. The priority is holding the executive branch accountable and reversing the questionable decisions made by the previous administration.
3 Speeches Analyzed