Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly antagonistic toward amending the Public Libraries Act, deeming it unacceptable centralization and a retreat by the state from the periphery. The value of maintaining the autonomy of local governments and the social role of libraries is stressed, standing in opposition to seemingly noble slogans like digitalization. The speaker frames the topic in a value-based manner, focusing specifically on the viability of rural regions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding the public library network and collection development processes, referencing specific county central libraries. This expertise is based on direct communication with library staff, and an estimated number of job losses (approximately 60) is presented. Reference is also made to the Finnish model and the determination that higher education for librarians is destined for obsolescence.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotionally charged, employing phrases such as "an extremely depressing story" and "unacceptable." Strong metaphors are utilized (archipelago, last stronghold), and the speaker appeals directly to the concerns of provincial residents. The speaker criticizes the minister outright, asserting that library workers would have booed him out of the hall.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The modes of operation demonstrate active participation in legislative oversight, specifically by submitting an interpellation to the Ministry of Culture concerning the amendment of the Public Libraries Act. The speaker is the initiator of the topic and repeatedly poses questions to the minister, actively engaging in the debate surrounding the interpellation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the Ministry of Culture and the Culture Minister, who are being criticized for their ignorance regarding job losses and for initiating a centralizing reform. The criticism is intense and focuses on the consequences of the policy in the provinces, labeling the ministry's conduct "reckless." The opposition is directed at both the substance of the reform and the manner of its execution.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, stressing the negative impact of centralization on counties and the provinces, as the state pulls out of its last remaining outposts. Specific counties and central libraries are cited as examples of these losses (e.g., Kõrveküla in Tartu County, Põltsamaa in Jõgeva County). There is a fear that the new system, run by officials sitting in Tallinn, will begin dictating to the provinces what they are allowed to read.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on the reform’s negative impact on local municipalities, given that their workload and staffing costs will significantly increase. Critics point to the state’s attempt to save money at the ministry level, which will result in the loss of approximately 60 jobs in the region. This forces rural residents to either move away or face unemployment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the role of public libraries is emphasized as the last social strongholds in the provinces, offering free light, heat, and an opportunity for conversation. The reform is viewed as a social detriment that destroys these communal gathering places where the state still maintains a presence. Conversation in the provinces is considered a vital activity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed at opposing the amendment (Bill 808) to the Public Libraries Act. An inquiry has been initiated to halt or modify the reform, which promotes centralization. The objective is to preserve the network of county central libraries and the decision-making autonomy of local governments.
4 Speeches Analyzed