Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Inquiry Regarding Population Decline (No. 758)
2025-06-09
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is the existential demographic crisis facing the Estonian state, which is being treated as the most crucial question ("to be or not to be?"). The speaker strongly opposes the government’s actions, accusing it of creating a "compound crisis" (economic, security, and political) and of losing the public trust. The proposed solution is the fundamental dismantling of the current political landscape and a fresh start with trustworthy individuals. The political framework is heavily value-based, centering on the preservation of the nation and the language.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of demography and sociology, referring to specific percentages among young women who do not wish to have children or cannot find a suitable partner (e.g., 42% of those up to age 29). Terms like "demographers" are used, and a recent seminar is referenced, indicating a search for supporting material. Population data for Germany and Hungary is provided for comparison.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the speech is urgent, critical, and at times alarmist, emphasizing the existential threat and uncertainty facing the Estonian state. Both statistical data and emotional concepts ("Weltschmerz," "alliance crisis") are used, alongside ironic observations (Norwegians in Tallinn, the Wolt tax). Despite the seriousness of the topic, the speaker concludes the speech with an unexpected reference to the football match about to begin.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in Riigikogu interpellations, utilizing this platform to discuss the nation's most critical crises. Mention is made of a recent seminar focusing on demographics, along with a reference to current events happening in the city (a football match, Norwegians visiting Tallinn).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the current government and the prime minister, who are criticized for losing public trust and increasing the country's insecurity. The criticism is sharp, accusing the government of deliberately provoking the neighbor and transforming Estonia into an "extremely belligerent state." Instead of compromise, what is proposed is the complete dismantling of the existing political landscape and the search for new, trustworthy individuals.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stressed the necessity of addressing the shared problem, urging the coalition and the opposition to stop their "mutual antagonism." However, he believes that political trust is currently lacking, and the only solution is a complete and radical disruption of the status quo, which suggests no willingness to cooperate with the current government.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the preservation of Estonia as Estonian-speaking and Estonian-minded) and on geopolitical security. Emphasis is placed on Estonia's location next to "not exactly the friendliest neighbor," and the government's hawkish stance is criticized. International comparisons are drawn with Germany and Hungary regarding demographic and security indicators.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic situation is described as an "economic crisis" and a "dire situation," which is part of a broader atmosphere of uncertainty. The economic crisis is directly linked to the demographic crisis, as it exacerbates the fear and uncertainty young people feel about bringing a new life into the world.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is population decline, which is addressed through the lens of the heterosexual family model and the insecurity experienced by young people. Emphasis is placed on young women's fear of the wider world and the lack of suitable Estonian men. Concern is expressed regarding the preservation of the Estonian language and national identity against the backdrop of migration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is lacking; the speaker is concentrating on the necessity of restoring political trust and fundamentally dismantling the government's current image. It is considered futile to discuss solving the demographic crisis or any specific plans before that trust is re-established.
5 Speeches Analyzed