Agenda Profile: Peeter Ernits
Inquiry regarding the government's plans to increase immigration (no. 791)
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
Strong opposition exists to the government’s immigration policy, particularly the continuous circumvention of the immigration quota (0.1%) through exceptions, even as integration capacity has been overwhelmed. The political focus is value-based, emphasizing the preservation of Estonian language and culture in the spirit of the preamble to the constitution. Criticism is also aimed at the government’s failure to resolve existing economic problems (unemployment, inflation) before importing new labor.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise regarding immigration quotas and associated statistics, repeatedly citing the 0.1% limit (approximately 1,300 people) and its exceptions (over 20). Uses specific figures for unemployment (65,000 unemployed) and the number of arrivals from Ukraine (roughly 50,000, or 4%) to illustrate that the capacity for integration has been exceeded. Focuses on the themes of integration and social inclusion, asserting that Estonian society is currently unable to integrate the existing number of people.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, anxious, and cautionary, employing both logical inconsistencies and emotional appeals. It uses the ironic phrase "number magic" when discussing immigration quotas and highlights the danger of the situation by comparing it to the pivotal, turning point of 1940. It uses the story of a farmer friend's family and a negligent Ukrainian dairy worker as an example to illustrate the issues surrounding labor quality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She addresses the Riigikogu during an interpellation, focusing on criticism of immigration policy and the government's responsibility. He/She believes the interpellation format is too brief to allow for a thorough and comprehensive discussion of the topic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against the government (Mr. Minister), which is accused of avoiding the data and denying the true state of integration capacity. The government's actions are criticized as a "ridiculous dance," which is dangerous and fundamentally opposes the spirit of the Estonian state. Criticism is also directed at the political mindset that lacks the courage to admit that integration has failed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Commends the Social Democrat colleagues (Riina Sikkut) for raising the topic, demonstrating a readiness to support the discussion of important issues across party lines. Positively references Jaak Valge’s earlier remarks concerning the concept of the Estonian state, emphasizing shared value-based viewpoints.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It primarily focuses on national and state-level issues (the concept of the Estonian state, the constitution, Europe's inflation records). It specifically mentions, as an example, the family of a farmer friend and the case involving the Ukrainian milker, thereby introducing the context of rural life and the labor needs of the agricultural sector.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Expresses concern regarding Estonia's highest inflation rate in Europe and high youth unemployment. It finds that before bringing in specialists, the existing domestic workforce (65,000 unemployed) should be identified and utilized more effectively. It views the plans for importing labor as contradictory, given the country's current economic and social situation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It expresses strong opposition to uncontrolled immigration, stressing that Estonian society is unable to integrate the current number of people. It raises concerns about the spread of "modern mentality and street culture." It emphasizes the preservation of Estonian language and culture as the primary goal of the state and notes the declining birth rate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on policy questions concerning the immigration quota (0.1%) and related exceptions, which constitute the subject of the parliamentary inquiry. It calls for a far more serious and holistic debate on the matter, citing the inadequacy of the interpellation format for achieving substantive solutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed