Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and the Act on International Sanctions (640 UA), which was not announced by the President of the Republic
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The speaker is in strong opposition to the ruling coalition, asserting that their time is up and the current situation is one of "agony." The political stance is strongly value-based, focusing on the defense of constitutionality and resistance to the appetite for surveillance. He demands the complete scrapping—not merely the amendment—of the bill vetoed by the president.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in financial regulation and the banking sector, criticizing the failure to solicit the opinion of the Financial Supervision Authority (FI) and its head, Kilvar Kessler. He also exhibits a thorough understanding of parliamentary procedures and history, referencing his nearly nine years of parliamentary experience and specific reading dates (June 17 and 19).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, emotional, and aggressive, utilizing strong and negative metaphors (e.g., "scabby raccoon," "rotted decaying tree," "sheep talk"). The appeals are aimed at defending democracy and the constitution, highlighting the coalition's incompetence and illegality. The overall tone is urgent and condemnatory.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been very active in the debate surrounding this bill, taking the floor multiple times on September 17. He/She references earlier events and procedures (the June readings) and his/her long tenure in parliament, which points to consistent involvement in key debates.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is intense and aimed at the coalition as a whole, which is accused of pig-headedness, negligence, and loyalty to an external master. Criticism is also directed at specific ministers (Minister of the Interior Taro, Jürgen Ligi) and the bill’s rapporteur, whose competence is questioned. Compromise is ruled out, with demands being made to scrap the law entirely.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker's style is primarily confrontational and aggressive, focusing on the opposing side's flaws and motives. He makes a short, jovial remark to a colleague ("Ladies must be respected"), but there is no evidence of substantive cooperation or willingness to compromise with other political parties.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is predominantly national (the Estonian state, the Riigikogu, ministries) and international, drawing parallels with the funding conditions of the Ukrainian parliament and the European Union. There is no concentration on specific local or regional issues within Estonia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on deficiencies in financial regulation, criticizing the state’s laxity and sluggishness in processing the anti-money laundering law. Specifically, the necessity of involving the Financial Supervision Authority is highlighted, signaling a demand for robust and competent financial oversight.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is a staunch defender of civil liberties, intensely opposing the "craving to snoop," the intention to create a "thought police," and the fast-track creation of a "super database." He sees the draft bill as a threat to democracy and a violation of the constitution, prioritizing privacy and freedom.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposition to the Act amending the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the International Sanctions Act (640 UA). The speaker is a fierce opponent of the draft bill, demanding its withdrawal and destruction, rather than amendment, as they consider it "the most vile piece of legislation."
6 Speeches Analyzed