Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-06
Political Position
A strong opposition to the political activities and procedural methods of the ruling coalition. It focuses on criticizing the government's use of steamroller tactics, accusing them of repeatedly disregarding the constitution and public opinion. Regarding foreign policy, it supports the defense of Ukraine, proposing the idea of establishing an Estonian-Ukrainian division, and remains critical of the Swedish prison cooperation agreement (the Tidö Deal).
15 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates knowledge of the procedures for ratifying international treaties, referencing the requirements of the Swedish Riksdag. Utilizes economic data (export/import balance, 109th ranking) and refers to foreign analyses (Euronews, Prison Reform Trust) regarding the topic of prison leasing. Possesses detailed knowledge of the history of Tartu Prison and the war criminals who were detained there.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly confrontational, critical, and ironic, employing sharp metaphors such as "running over like a steamroller" and "putting the puppy in its place." It employs emotional appeals, highlighting the public's opposition (77,442 "no" votes) and a personal experience regarding the impact of war in the Elva municipality. It attempts to personally attack opponents, criticizing the ministers' past actions and their "braggadocio."
15 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered during a single plenary session day, which points to highly active participation during the questions and presentations phase. A recurring pattern involves the questioning of ministers and presenters with multiple consecutive questions, focusing on procedural and substantive shortcomings.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition parties and specific ministers (the Minister of Finance, the Minister of the Interior), who are accused of incompetence and wasting resources. Criticism is aimed at both policy (the prison deal, tax policy) and procedure, stressing that the government only begins searching for sensible solutions after the intervention of the President or the Chancellor of Justice. The attacks are intense, and no possibility for compromise is offered.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no sign of direct cooperation with the coalition; instead, he emphasizes his disagreement with and opposition to the government's policies. He also points out that other colleagues do not approve of the Tidö agreement, and mentions his role as a member of the parliamentary group for Ukraine.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text highlights the extraordinary situation in Elva municipality (Koruste village), where the effects of the war are physically manifest, and uses this as an argument against the criticism from the Minister of the Interior. It also mentions Tartu Prison in connection with the acceptance of international criminals.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of the government's tax policy, which they claim "robs its weakest people" (referencing the car tax). They also highlight the significant imbalance in Estonia's trade balance (exports at 1.42M vs imports at 12M). While acknowledging the 30 million euro revenue generated from renting out prisons, the speaker views this as an ethical compromise that ultimately fails to solve the problems facing the Estonian people.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focuses on the substandard deliberation of socio-political bills (including amendments requiring mitigation for children and people with disabilities). Raises the issue of ignoring the will of the people (77,442 signatures) and requests data regarding the correlation between nutrition and academic results.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on the ratification of international treaties, especially the Swedish prison cooperation agreement (the Tidö Deal), which he strongly opposes. He criticizes government bills that have been deemed unconstitutional and demands that the government substantively review the drafts before their adoption.
15 Speeches Analyzed