Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, centering on the criticism of the government’s priorities and activities. The most pressing issues include the failure to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, the disregard for the concerns of people with disabilities, and the shelving of crucial draft legislation (such as the VAT bill and the disability tax bill). Criticism is aimed both at political values (social neglect) and at the inefficiency of government operations and ambiguous lawmaking.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the technical details of legislation and procedural matters, criticizing the wording and structure of proposed bills (e.g., the "pig and cuckoo bill"). They demand precision when defining specific concepts, such as "quality space" in the Planning Act. Furthermore, they are well-versed in international conventions and their relevance to the social issues facing specific countries (Iraq, Sri Lanka).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and often sarcastic, employing colorful expressions such as the "werewolf bill" and referencing the minister's alleged comment about the weight of Estonians. He/She combines emotional appeals (concerns regarding people with disabilities) with technical and procedural issues, demanding clarity and accountability. The overall tone is accusatory, particularly toward the Riigikogu leadership concerning the scheduling of the agenda item.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, presenting questions and reports regarding several different bills over the course of two days. He/She references his/her participation in the committee meeting (September 23) and mentions being appointed as the representative for one of the bills, demonstrating an active role in the legislative process.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government (ministers and their parties) and the Riigikogu Board. The government is criticized for its policies (VAT, social issues) and incompetence, with specific examples highlighted, such as combining the Clyde Kulli case and the compensation for tanker damages into a single draft bill. The Board is criticized for its procedural decisions, particularly for discussing important topics late at night.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is little data on the cooperation style, but he/she notes the consensus achieved in the commission regarding both placing the draft on the agenda and concluding the first reading, as well as his/her appointment as representative. This suggests participation in consensual procedural work, even though he/she expresses substantive skepticism.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national themes (tax policy, the cost of internet connectivity). Regional focus is demonstrated by the question of whether Põltsamaa and Pajusi meet the definition of "quality space," linking legal provisions to specific small towns in Estonia. The international focus is strong, connecting conventions with the social problems of Iraq, Sri Lanka, and other countries.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports lowering the VAT on foodstuffs and criticizes the government's opposition to this measure. He/She expresses concern about high consumer prices, citing, for example, the highest prices in the Baltics for mobile data and fixed internet connections.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the primary focus is on the concerns of people with disabilities and the government's alleged indifference toward them. He/She also expresses deep skepticism regarding the necessity of the international convention (against forced disappearance) in Estonia, arguing that such problems "do not occur in our cultural space," and indirectly linking the convention to immigration.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is broad, encompassing tax policy (VAT, car tax for disabled individuals), clarification of the Planning Act, and the ratification of international conventions. He is rather a critical opponent and questioner, who demands clarity and practical purpose in legislation, criticizing the vague wording and timing of technical drafts.
13 Speeches Analyzed