Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
2025-09-15
Political Position
Strong opposition to the government’s centralization policy, especially in the fields of culture and education, and to the prioritization of defense spending over social spending. The political focus is on efficiency and the value-based defense of the quality of life in the provinces, demanding salary increases for domestic cultural workers ahead of foreign aid. The government’s activities are criticized as "mismanagement" and a system in the "rotten tree" stage.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates detailed knowledge of the public library network, the role of central libraries, and the potential consequences of the reform (jobs, collection development/acquisition). Possesses knowledge of animal husbandry and the red deer population in Estonia, referencing specific incidents in Virumaa. Utilizes knowledge from the education sector, questioning the correlation between mathematics results and parental wealth, and refers to previous reports by the National Audit Office regarding the use of Ministry of Defence funds.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely confrontational, critical, and passionate, utilizing powerful emotional appeals and making direct calls for strikes. Colorful metaphors are employed (for example, referring to the government as a "rotten tree" or "bardakk" [a mess/shambles]) alongside rhetorical questions, highlighting the government's ignorance and disorganization. The style is more narrative and emotional, rather than dry and politically correct, addressing public sector workers directly.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All presentations occurred during one plenary session (2025-09-15), which points to active involvement in the agenda items, repeatedly asking questions and making longer speeches. Previous inquiries (EKRE on June 16) and the individual's prior work (as a council member in Tartu County) are also mentioned.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Rural Affairs, which are accused of mismanagement and the elimination of regional jobs. The government as a whole is described as weak and decaying ("a rotten tree"), prioritizing defense expenditures above social spending. The criticism is intense and accusatory, spanning everything from political incompetence to the sowing of "war hysteria."
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It does not indicate direct cooperation with other political parties, but mentions a previous inquiry by colleagues (EKRE) regarding deer. The style is predominantly confrontational and uncompromising, publicly calling on public sector employees (teachers, rescuers, police officers) to strike against the government in order to achieve a pay raise.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, protecting the "provinces" (counties) from centralization. Specifically mentions Virumaa (red deer, Virumaa Teataja newspaper), Tartumaa (in the context of being a deputy, schools, Kõrveküla), Jõgevamaa (Põltsamaa), and other counties. Emphasizes maintaining the state's presence in rural areas, calling public libraries the last remaining outposts.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports the increase of social spending and salaries (for cultural workers, teachers, and rescuers) and is critical of prioritizing defense spending, which prevents social investments. Expresses skepticism about finding the budget for social spending when defense spending is "a wall in the way." Prefers supporting domestic workers over development aid and support for Ukraine.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on the salary levels and working conditions of cultural workers and other public sector employees (teachers, police officers, and rescue workers). It highlights the social role of public libraries in the provinces as a gathering place and the last state-supported outpost. It expresses concern about the impact of "war hysteria" on Estonia's birth rate and young people's desire to start families.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on opposing the amendment of the Public Libraries Act, as it reduces the decision-making power of local governments and centralizes services. Questions were also raised regarding the environmental impact of establishing a defense industry park and the limits on the cost of school meals.
16 Speeches Analyzed