Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Second reading of the draft law amending the Tobacco Act (223 SE)
2025-04-16
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Tobacco Act, specifically understanding the objectives and scope of measures intended to reduce appeal (i.e., the flavor ban). The approach is analytical and policy-driven, concentrating on clarifying the spirit and application of the relevant EU directive. The speaker is seeking confirmation on whether the underlying purpose of eliminating flavors is, in fact, to decrease consumption.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding amendments to the tobacco law and the implementation of European Union directives, citing the objective of banning flavors and the concept of reducing attractiveness. He/She is aware of the international context, noting that the Polish parliament has already addressed this issue. The expertise is focused on understanding the substance of the policy and the details of its implementation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and direct, focusing on posing questions intended to clarify the substance and objectives of the draft legislation. The tone is neutral and analytical, seeking factual substantiation for the policy’s rationale and the content of the opposition’s proposals. Polite forms of address are used when speaking to the rapporteur and the presiding officer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly engaged during the second reading of the draft legislation, posing successive questions to both the presenter and the presiding officer. They are monitoring the debate and note a personnel change (the replacement of their colleague, Kojamees), and are aware of the large volume of amendments submitted by the opposition (EKRE). This pattern of behavior indicates a strong focus on detail.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct opposition to the government is not being voiced, but the activities of the opposition party (EKRE) are being actively investigated. The speaker is trying to ascertain which specific flavors (e.g., menthol, strawberry, cannabis) EKRE intended to allow or prohibit with its 100 proposed amendments. The interest is directed toward a substantive analysis of the political opponents' proposals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is polite and inquisitive, involving direct communication with the rapporteur and the manager to gather information. There is no evidence of inter-party cooperation, the seeking of compromises, or support for joint legislative proposals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and the international context (the EU directive and the actions of the Polish parliament). Regional or local issues within Estonia are not addressed in the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns public health regulation, focusing on reducing the appeal of tobacco products through the prohibition of characterizing flavors. The objective is to curb consumption by making the products less attractive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the second reading of the draft Act on Amendments to the Tobacco Act (Bill 223 SE). The speaker's role involves the detailed examination and explanation of the bill's content and the associated amendment proposals (including the 100 proposals submitted by EKRE).
2 Speeches Analyzed