Session Profile: Peeter Ernits
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-24
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's energy policy, particularly regarding the rapid construction of onshore and offshore wind farms, which are viewed as environmental pollution and a scheme for wealth redistribution through subsidies. This stance is grounded in values (the protection of nature and people) and focused on results, criticizing the government's ethical failures and its disregard for the public. The speaker also references previous political history, criticizing the actions of the EKRE parliamentary group during Martin Helme's tenure as Minister of Finance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of ornithology and environmental protection, identifying as an ornithologist and presenting population data and the endangered status of rare birds (e.g., the little curlew, spotted eagles, and divers/loons). Furthermore, he/she possesses detailed knowledge of energy projects and financial mechanisms, criticizing the massive subsidies allocated to offshore wind farms and the pumped storage project. The speaker bases their arguments on conversations with energy specialists and specific knowledge concerning particular bogs and national parks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and insistent, utilizing strong emotional expressions and even profanity when describing the government’s attitude ("Shit on the people"). The speaker combines specific technical facts (ornithology) with moral indignation and accusations of corruption. He criticizes the lack of knowledge prevalent in the hall and the format of a party meeting.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker took part in the plenary session debate, giving three addresses, one of which was a long and detailed critique of energy policy. Recent, extended conversations with energy experts were mentioned, suggesting active knowledge gathering on the subject.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the current government/coalition, who are criticized for ignoring the people, low public trust, and unethical policies. Specific accusations concern the alleged siphoning of wealth by the Social Democrats (SDE) and the "wind troika" through subsidies. The previous EKRE government and Martin Helme are also criticized for supporting the Sõnajalg brothers' wind farm.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is primarily confrontational and critical, focusing on thwarting government plans and demanding investigations. However, the speaker emphasizes the common goal of ensuring a better life for the Estonian people, regardless of party affiliation, which suggests a desire for shared outcomes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on East Estonia and its nature conservation areas, particularly the protection of the Muraka Bog (Alutaguse/oil shale basin) and Lahemaa National Park (Palmse). Emphasis is placed on the suffering of local residents and the risk of polluting these pristine landscapes, as people have moved there specifically to enjoy the silence and wild beauty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly opposed to energy projects demanding massive subsidies (billion-euro grants), such as offshore wind farms and pumped-storage facilities, which are viewed as a grand-scale siphoning of wealth. The speaker demands transparency and an investigation, arguing that these schemes place enormous burdens on the public for decades.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the relationship between the government and the populace, criticizing the government’s blatant disregard for its own people and its failure to acknowledge their suffering. Particular emphasis is placed on the situation of rural residents, who are overlooked in energy planning and have effectively been left to bear the burden—the "sufferer."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on challenging existing energy plans and the associated subsidies, particularly concerning the placement of onshore wind turbines. The speaker, acting as an opponent, is demanding—via investigative journalists—that attention be paid to the background details of the billion-euro subsidies for pumped hydro storage and the schemes involving offshore wind farms.
3 Speeches Analyzed