Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Second reading of the draft law on the state's supplementary budget for 2025 (651 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the supplementary budget bill (651 SE), criticizing it as "blind and evil" and potentially unconstitutional. The emphasis is placed on the government's failure to address the economic recession and the deepening of poverty, as well as the lack of transparency in the budget. The political framework is primarily outcome-based, focusing on the detrimental consequences of the government's actions for the public.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows knowledge of the budget structure, distinguishing the supplementary budget ("the little one") from the main budget ("the big one"), and expresses concern regarding the budget's comprehensibility. Specifically refers to participation in a working group alongside the Chancellor of Justice on the topic of making the state budget more understandable. Furthermore, he/she emphasizes the importance of grasping the content of budget lines and programs, referencing the expertise of former Minister of Finance Aivar Sõerd.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and laden with moral condemnation, frequently employing rhetorical questions ("Aren't you ashamed?"). It utilizes powerful metaphors ("the steamroller," "blind and evil," "we're playing government") and appeals directly to emotions by bringing up concrete examples of poverty. The entire presentation is, in tone, a sharp critique of arrogant and unjust power.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The text refers to active participation in specialized working groups, mentioning a meeting with the Chancellor of Justice's team regarding making the state budget more comprehensible. This meeting prevented him/her from attending the first reading of the draft bill. This demonstrates a focus on systemic and transparency-related reforms that take place outside of plenary hall discussions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is the ruling coalition and its representative, Annely, who stands accused of mocking parliamentarians and employing the "steamroller" tactic. The criticism is intense, focusing both on procedural injustice (the outright dismissal of proposed amendments) and the virtual nature of the government's support. It warns those in power against playing with fire, cautioning that this could ultimately prove detrimental to them.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Acknowledges the efforts of opposition colleagues (Social Democrats Anti and Helmen) in raising genuine concerns and submitting amendments, despite the unfair treatment they received. Positively references Aivar Sõerd’s precise questions regarding budget lines, demonstrating respect for his prior expertise. This cooperation is driven by the opposition's shared frustration with the government's procedural arrogance.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is minimal, but it uses a specific example from Võru (the taking of eggs from a store) to illustrate poverty and highlight the extent of social problems. The general focus is on the national economy and budgetary policy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on highlighting negative trends: the economy is declining, inflation is high, and the population is becoming impoverished. The government’s fiscal policy is criticized, being labeled "wicked" and incapable of addressing real economic concerns. Concern is expressed that the state is focusing on external matters (forcing the neighbor to its knees) at the expense of the domestic economy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong emphasis is placed on social problems, particularly the deepening of poverty and the resulting frustration and alienation within society. It highlights specific examples (the theft of eggs, the lack of kindergarten places) that the government refuses to address, despite their undeniable reality.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the rejection of the supplementary budget (Bill 651 SE) and improving the transparency of the budget process. It is considered essential that the budget complies with the constitution and is comprehensible to all 101 members of parliament, especially since the speaker is personally affiliated with the working group dedicated to making the budget more understandable.
5 Speeches Analyzed