Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-23
Political Position
The speaker supports a specific international convention (an optional protocol) but sharply criticizes the actions of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), labeling them as displacement activity and a shift in focus. The core political stance is opposition to the government’s actions, stressing that the state has abandoned a large segment of the Estonian population and is draining them economically. He/She also sharply criticizes military posturing, contrasting Estonia's behavior with Finland's sensible approach. The position is strongly results-oriented and values-driven, focusing on the welfare of the people.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of international treaties (Optional Protocols) and the legislative process (impact assessments), questioning their practical relevance. To support his arguments, he utilizes specific percentage data from public opinion surveys regarding the draining of state resources. Furthermore, he raises questions concerning national defense, the foreign duplication of critical services, and the context of oil shale in the Baltic states.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and blunt, expressing embarrassment over the Riigikogu's (Estonian Parliament's) use of time and employing strong emotional appeals regarding the public's exhaustion. The speaker uses comparisons (Estonia vs. Finland) and contrasts legislative activity with the actual economic situation. They demand that complex topics be explained in "plain language" (or "layman's terms") and include personal assessments of politicians (Kaja Kallas, Kristen).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active questioner during the plenary session, repeatedly raising questions regarding the substance of the procedure, impact assessments, and the practical rationale of international agreements. He notes that he has been following the Riigikogu’s work for the last couple of weeks, but admitted that he joined the discussion on one specific topic late (having “gotten on the train halfway through”).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the government’s actions, which critics accuse of exhausting and hating the populace, citing public opinion polls where 80% of respondents reported feeling worn out. Specific criticism is also leveled at former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas ("completely crazy") and the Minister of Defense for military bluster. The opposition is primarily policy- and performance-based, accusing the government of losing focus.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker engages with colleagues (Reili, Kalle), recognizing their appeals concerning the support of women, but immediately leverages these appeals as a platform for broader criticism of the government. He/She votes in favor of the draft bill, despite strong criticism regarding both the procedure and the focus. The text does not mention any direct cooperation or readiness to compromise with other parties.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the condition of the Estonian state and its people, particularly in the context of economic strain. Internationally, it addresses international agreements and compares Estonia with Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania, inquiring about the differences in their approaches and resources (oil shale).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the financial strain on the population, emphasizing that over half of all groceries are purchased based on affordability rather than nutritional value. This highlights concerns regarding the high cost of living and the government's failed economic policies, which have driven a large segment of the population into hardship.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker supports the convention concerning women's rights but broadens the discussion to social injustice, stressing that a significant portion of the Estonian population has been abandoned by the state. He/She emphasizes the necessity of dealing with matters honestly and points out that men might also require similar protection against harassment.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on the ratification of the international optional protocol, which the speaker intends to vote in favor of. In legislative work, he/she concentrates on procedural correctness, demanding impact assessments and inquiring about the actual benefit of the draft legislation to the Estonian people. Furthermore, he/she seeks clarification regarding the activities of the National Defence Committee and the duplication of vital services abroad.
7 Speeches Analyzed