Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Debate on the nationally significant issue "The Drawbacks of Wind Power," initiated by the faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party.
2025-04-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker vehemently opposes the government’s massive wind energy development plans, labeling them environmentally destructive and corrupt ("the siphoning off of wealth"). The political focus is centered on protecting natural treasures (the Muraka bog, heritage landscapes) and ensuring the quality of life for the populace. This stance is strongly value-driven and results-oriented, criticizing the government for its lack of trustworthiness and its disrespect for the people.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker introduces himself as an ornithologist, utilizing specific knowledge concerning the vulnerability of rare bird species (e.g., the Whimbrel, spotted eagles, and loons/divers) to wind turbines. Furthermore, he/she demonstrates expertise in energy subsidy mechanisms, specifically citing the "giant subsidies for offshore wind parks" and "pumped hydro storage," and notes having consulted with energy experts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, urgent, and emotionally charged, employing strong language ("madness," "to hell with these people"). The speaker balances personal, emotional descriptions (the beauty of Muraka bog) with specific political accusations of corruption and incompetence. He criticizes the prevailing lack of knowledge in the chamber ("little light").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during a Riigikogu debate concerning a matter of significant national importance, demonstrating participation in high-level discussions. The speaker refers to active communication with energy sector specialists "in recent days" and calls upon investigative journalists to look into certain financial schemes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the current government/coaltion, which is accused of ignoring the populace and engaging in the large-scale redistribution of wealth tied to subsidies. The criticism is both political (low approval ratings, disrespect) and procedural (suspicions of corruption concerning the Sõnajalgs and hydro storage facilities). The actions of the previous EKRE faction in supporting the Sõnajalgs' wind farm are also being criticized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of a shared objective: to make the lives of Estonian people easier and better, regardless of party affiliation. Despite this appeal, the tone of the speech is overwhelmingly confrontational, and concrete references to cross-party cooperation are not provided.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on protecting specific Estonian heritage landscapes and regions, particularly Muraka Bog (in the oil shale basin/Alutaguse) and Lahemaa National Park (set against the backdrop of Palmse Manor). It is stressed that wind turbines endanger both local residents and the foreign visitors who come here to enjoy the silence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are vehemently opposed to energy procurement projects involving large subsidies, which are viewed as a "grand transfer of wealth" and "imposing gigantic burdens on their own people" for decades to come. This demonstrates opposition to state-funded schemes that favor certain business interests ("the wind troika").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is tied to the government's disrespect for its own people and the suffering of rural residents caused by the construction of wind farms. It is stressed that people have been abandoned in an "idiotic situation" and must figure out how to save themselves.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at restricting the construction of wind farms and opposing current development plans, particularly concerning the placement of onshore wind turbines. The speaker supports finding solutions that would not disturb people, nature, or national landscapes, citing the need to find less disruptive locations.
3 Speeches Analyzed