Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (609 SE) – third reading
2025-06-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is supportive of the draft amendment to the Competition Act (609 SE), assessing it as the best possible option for avoiding substantial fines and restoring the reputation of the rule of law. It sharply criticizes the history of the bill's proceedings and the associated media conduct, labeling it embarrassing. The stance is strongly motivated by fiscal necessity (avoiding fines) and value-based criticism (the need to be a serious rule-of-law state).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker establishes authority in the field of media and journalistic ethics, drawing on their previous experience as editor-in-chief and head of the journalists' union. They use this background to criticize the editorial readiness and bias of stories published by Delfi and Eesti Ekspress. They also present detailed financial data concerning the fines, highlighting the daily fine of 3,000 euros and the accumulated debt of 400,000 euros.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotionally charged. It employs strong language, such as "embarrassing bill," "extremely vile bill," and "banana republic." To substantiate his/her stance, he/she draws on personal experience as a media executive, blending logical arguments (the scale of the fines) with moral and ethical accusations leveled against the media and the opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has repeatedly taken the floor regarding this specific draft bill. He refers to recent events, such as a conversation with Märt Otsa and questions posed to Lauri Hussar, who was chairing the session, demonstrating active involvement in parliamentary work.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats, whose behavior in defending the draft bill is considered exaggerated and treated as "a matter of life and death." He also sharply criticizes the media (Delfi, Eesti Ekspress), accusing them of publishing biased stories that "smell like a commissioned piece." The criticism is directed at both the political procedure and media ethics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the draft legislation and mentions having had a conversation with Märt Otsa regarding world affairs and the discussion of the bill. There are no specific references to broad cooperation or a willingness to compromise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly on national issues, covering draft legislation, the necessity of state budget cuts, and Estonia's reputation as a rule-of-law state. He/She uses the term "banana republic" to describe Estonia's political and media environment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress fiscal discipline and the necessity of austerity, emphasizing that every penny must be accounted for, particularly when it comes at the expense of the vulnerable. Support for the draft legislation is directly tied to avoiding substantial daily penalties, which are economically burdensome for the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, he briefly refers to an upcoming "extremely vile bill" concerning Article 22 of the Constitution (fundamental rights), and raises the question of whether the state will allow itself to be "walked all over." This points to strong opposition to the future legal amendment concerning fundamental rights.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the draft bill (609 SE) amending the Competition Act, in order to stop the accumulation of fines and solve a long-term problem. He/She also warns against a future draft bill concerning Article 22 of the Constitution, which he/she strongly opposes.
3 Speeches Analyzed