Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-15
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional regarding the priorities of both the government and the European Commission. The speaker demands fundamental reforms, such as direct presidential elections, and criticizes the government's actions as mere "cosmetics" at a time when "the ground is burning under our feet." He is strongly opposed to Baroness von der Leyen's plan, which would cut funding for agriculture and regional development, stressing the critical importance of food security. The criticism is primarily value-based and performance-based, highlighting the public's lack of trust in the government (14%).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the European Union budget and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), citing specific figures (1.816 trillion) and the 3,000 questions submitted to the Commission. They are also knowledgeable about the deficiencies in state reform and the quality of legislation, criticizing the delegation of legislative power to the executive branch. Additionally, they are well-versed in the connections between security and agriculture, including the potential impacts of Ukraine's possible accession on EU farmers.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and penetrating, emphasizing the urgency of the situation ("The ground is burning under our feet"). It employs irony and sarcasm directed at the government, labeling their initiatives as "cosmetics" and the Parliament (Riigikogu) a "rubber stamp." Strong terms are utilized, such as "sadistic approach," and other politicians are quoted who refer to the EU plan as a "monstrous plan."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in plenary sessions, particularly in debates concerning the EU budget and constitutional issues, criticizing the rushing of these discussions. He/She mentioned attending a consultation of lawyers and judges where the status of license plate recognition cameras and developments regarding the rule of law were discussed. The speaker also referenced earlier activity supporting initiatives for the direct election of the president (supported by 45 colleagues in 2021).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government coalition (referred to as the "long plan party") and the leadership of the European Commission, particularly Baroness von der Leyen. The criticism is intense and targets both the substance (EU budget priorities) and the procedure (the Riigikogu acting as a rubber stamp and the rushing of debates). The government is accused of losing the public's trust and moving away from a democratic rule of law towards a "sovereign state."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data on active cooperation during the current session is lacking, but he/she points to earlier broad-based support for the direct presidential election initiative (45 colleagues). It is noted that a certain draft bill lacks the signatures of representatives from two political parties, indicating limited cross-parliamentary cooperation. He/She quotes other politicians (Kata Tüttő, Arvo Aller, the Social Democrats) who share similar positions on regional development and budget matters.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, which is manifested in opposition to cuts in the EU's cohesion policy, deeming it important for Estonia's regional equilibrium. It emphasizes supporting agriculture (including small and medium-sized production) to ensure the food security of the Estonian people and, through that, physical security as well.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions focus on the distribution of the EU budget, opposing cuts to funding for agriculture and regional development in favor of defense and innovation spending. They consider agriculture a security issue and support ensuring food security. The EU budget (1.816 trillion) is viewed as an enormous sum, yet negligible when compared to GDP, and its distribution must be fair.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, concern over the rule of law and democracy dominates, with sharp criticism directed at "surveillance bills" and the creation of massive databases that are pushing the country toward an "authoritarian state." It emphasizes the need to listen to the will of the people and address the complete crisis of confidence. It supports greater involvement of citizens in political decision-making, for example, through direct presidential elections.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward constitutional reforms, particularly the introduction of direct presidential elections, which is deemed paramount. He/She criticizes the current legislative process for its low quality, evidenced by the delegation of substantive content (or: the detailing of statutory provisions) to the executive branch. Furthermore, he/she is a strong opponent of surveillance bills and purely cosmetic legislative amendments.
10 Speeches Analyzed