Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-17
Political Position
Politically, the speaker pragmatically supports the imperfect draft Competition Law, viewing it as the best of bad options. However, he is in extremely strong opposition to the draft law concerning the Money Laundering Data Bureau (RAB), calling it "the most repulsive" and a path toward a totalitarian state. His position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. He criticizes the government's actions as "embarrassing" and "ridiculous."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in the media sector by criticizing the quality and ethical concerns surrounding the journalism of Delfi and Ekspress, referencing their past experience as an editor-in-chief and head of the journalists' union. They cite specific fine amounts (€400,000, €3,000 per day) and refer to constitutional articles and the positions held by the Chancellor of Justice, thereby emphasizing their expertise on the rule of law and data protection issues. Furthermore, they analyze the risks associated with using big databases and artificial intelligence within the context of a preventive state.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an extremely combative, emotional, and biting rhetorical style, repeatedly using strongly negative adjectives such as "obscene" and "shameful." He relies heavily on literary and historical comparisons (Orwell's *1984*, Big Brother, a Stalinist future) to frame political decisions as existential threats to freedom. He makes direct accusations that the media is biased and carrying out political mandates, thereby underscoring the gravity of his views.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the plenary session, taking the floor several times in succession to address two different draft bills and posing questions to the minister. He referenced recent contacts with both colleagues (Märt Otsa) and representatives of key legal institutions (the Chancellor of Justice), demonstrating active engagement outside the chamber. He is up-to-date on the legislative timetable for the bills, anticipating the adoption of the RAB law on Thursday.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticizes the Social Democrats for their aggressive behavior during the debate on the Competition Act and, conversely, for their absence from the discussion regarding the far more crucial RAB Act. He attacks the government's "party faction" (singling out Kristen Michal as "Big Brother") for exhibiting totalitarian tendencies, claiming they are rushing legislation through because of their low public support. Furthermore, he slams Delfi and Eesti Ekspress, calling them mere fulfillers of political orders, which, in his view, is turning Estonia into a "banana republic."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to collaboration with colleagues (Märt Otsa) and emphasizes the alignment of their positions with the Chancellor of Justice regarding the dangerous nature of the RAB law. He calls upon other members of parliament to jointly scrap the dangerous draft bill (the RAB law), citing the desire to build broad-based opposition to totalitarian tendencies.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Absent. The focus is entirely on national legislative issues, the principles of the rule of law in Estonia, and the national media landscape.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of fiscal discipline, criticizing the substantial fines imposed by the state (3,000 euros per day) and stressing that every single cent must be accounted for. He/She points to the impoverishment of the populace, the continuous rise in taxes, and concerns regarding the financing of vulnerable groups, all of which underscore worries about the deteriorating economic situation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most important social issue is the protection of fundamental rights and civil liberties, which are threatened by the "preventive state" and the "super database" being established under the proposed RAB bill. The speaker objects to using the pretext of increasing security when it infringes upon people's privacy without proper scrutiny, referencing Article 22 of the Constitution.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on two bills: the Competition Act, which he supports as the best possible option, and the Money Laundering Data Bureau Act, which he demands be immediately scrapped, as it is extremely dangerous. He criticizes the government's fast-track procedure and its setting of priorities (RAB versus the Credit Information Act).
7 Speeches Analyzed