Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-08
Political Position
The political position is strongly anti-government, focusing on protecting the interests of rural communities and small producers, and criticizing the state's governance style. They most vehemently oppose cuts to small subsidies (such as beekeeping) and the reduction of vital regional services (bank offices, notaries), while large amounts of public funds are being spent uncontrollably elsewhere. The criticism is primarily aimed at the government's lax management style and its failure to ensure the preservation of Estonian culture and language in the context of immigration.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of detail regarding agricultural subsidies (specifically, PRIA minimum payout sums), regional services (such as the number of bank offices and cash usage statistics), and immigration policy (the 0.1% quota and the volume of exceptions). To support the arguments, the speaker utilizes specific figures and references to audits (conducted by the National Audit Office) and previous documents (the Bank of Estonia 2017 document). Separately highlighted is knowledge of crisis management in forestry and nurseries, exemplified by the case of Iisaku.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is sharp, emotional, and often sarcastic, using strong words to describe the actions of ministers and the government, such as "slack behavior," "mass murder" (referring to the destruction of seedlings), and "war Moloch." Vivid comparisons are used (the work of a bee, a dog on a haystack) and historical parallels (the pivotal times of 1940). It favors storytelling (the milk loss of a farmer friend, the women of the Iisaku nursery) and rhetorical questions to emphasize the government's inaction and inefficiency.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary session, posing questions to multiple ministers. He mentions his personal intervention in crisis situations, citing the example of saving seedlings at the Iisaku nursery by addressing the minister and the head of the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) directly. He criticizes ministers and committee chairmen for enjoying their vacations during the crisis, characterizing this as lax conduct.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is primarily aimed at the Minister of Regional Affairs and other government members, who are accused of lax leadership and vacationing during the crisis (e.g., the attack drone incident in Elva municipality, the outbreak). The government’s budget policy is criticized for squeezing small subsidies and the uncontrolled financing of the Ministry of Defence. Personal attacks are intense and include sarcasm (referencing the minister’s “important work,” such as pig mating).
22 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is primarily confrontational, but recognizes positive outcomes when they occur (specifically, the rescue of the Iisaku seedlings, for which both the Minister and the head of RMK are thanked). He/She also references collaboration with other opposition colleagues (Riina Sikkut, Jaak Valge, the Social Democrats) in bringing up the topics of immigration and unemployment, stressing the necessity for a more serious debate.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on the problems facing rural areas and the provinces, particularly the accessibility of vital services outside Harju County. Specific regions and issues are mentioned: Põltsamaa (wind turbines), Elva municipality (drone), Valga County, Põlva County, Jõgeva County, Saare County (bank branches, notaries), and Iisaku (nature centers, plant nursery). Emphasis is placed on the significance of areas suffering from market failure, where people continue to reside nonetheless.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Critical of the current economic situation, highlighting Europe's highest inflation and youth unemployment. Demands a proactive strategy for investment and job creation from the government, rather than after-the-fact commentary. Supports local small producers and a balance between small, medium, and large agricultural enterprises, opposing the dominance of large-scale farms.
22 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on issues of immigration and integration, stressing that a 0.1% cap is the absolute maximum that Estonian society can integrate. Concern is voiced that the larger influx of Ukrainians (nearly 4%) exceeds this integration capacity, thereby threatening the preservation of the Estonian language and culture. It defends small social benefits (such as the allowance for single parents) and criticizes the cuts being made to them under the label of "inefficiency."
22 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the oversight of government activities and crisis management, rather than initiating new legislation. It demands clear plans from the government (e.g., restrictions on closing bank branches) and preventive measures (employment). It raises questions regarding the activities of RMK (the destruction of seedlings) and regional policy (essential services).
22 Speeches Analyzed