Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-25
Political Position
Strong opposition to the economic policy and budget of Kristen Michal's government, which the speaker considers to be deepening stagnation and inequality. This viewpoint is presented forcefully, focusing on the government's poor economic results and drawing a comparison to the stagnation of the late Soviet Union era (Leonid Brezhnev). The speaker calls for public intervention to terminate this era.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding macroeconomic indicators, particularly inflation and purchasing power rankings. They utilize specific statistical data (Estonia 6.2%, Finland 2.2%, Latvia 4.1% in August) and reference Estonia's long-standing role as the European Union's inflation leader since 2009. Furthermore, they cite the contradictory positions of top experts concerning the prime minister's statements.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, dramatic, and straightforward, employing powerful metaphors and historical comparisons (e.g., "steamroller," "Leonid Brezhnev," "the government of the blind and the deaf"). The speaker utilizes both logical, data-driven criticism and emotional appeals, describing social inequality ("suck your paw or chew the grass") and calling the populace to protest on Toompea.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All the speeches originate from a single plenary session of the Riigikogu, where the budget and the economic situation were discussed. The speaker is actively involved in the debate, asking repeated questions about the economy and inflation, and delivering longer, summarizing critical statements. He/She also mentions the expectation of reading through the budget's explanatory memorandum over the weekend.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at Kristen Michal's government and coalition, who stand accused of lacking a grasp on reality and exhibiting sheer recklessness, particularly concerning the presentation of the "wealth budget." The criticism is twofold: political (stagnation) and procedural (the coalition's poor attendance in the chamber and their disregard for proposed amendments). The speaker endorses the critique made by colleague Jaanson, labeling this administration a "government of the blind and the deaf."
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker clearly supports the positions and procedural issues raised by opposition colleagues (such as Jüri Jaanson and Urmas Reinsalu). He/She views the coalition's actions as a "steamroller" that rules out any compromise or substantive cooperation with the opposition, since, in his/her estimation, the proposed amendments are simply being thrown in the trash.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the country's economic standing, which is constantly analyzed in comparison with our closest neighbors, Finland and Latvia. It is stressed that Estonia's economic indicators, particularly inflation, are significantly worse than those of our neighbors, despite similar geopolitical conditions ("frontline states").
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a staunch opponent of stagnation and inequality. They criticized the government's budget, arguing that while it promises prosperity, it actually leaves a large segment of the population struggling. They stressed that only the wealthiest quarter is able to save, noting that Estonia's economic resilience has declined and inflation continues to be the highest in Europe. The speaker demanded a change in the situation, pointing out that neighboring countries have managed to perform better.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On the subject of social issues, the speaker focuses on economic inequality and the decline in the population's purchasing power. He emphasizes that the government’s policies have left the majority of the population in a difficult situation, forcing them to "chew grass." Other traditional social issues (such as education, immigration) are not addressed in the speeches.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the 2025 state budget, which the speaker strongly opposes, criticizing the method used to push it through—dubbed "the steamroller." He is awaiting the opportunity to read the budget's explanatory notes and fully expects the opposition's proposed amendments to be rejected.
11 Speeches Analyzed