Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Hearing on Elering's Strategy (No. 741)
2025-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly anti-government, accusing the administration of implementing liberal-democratic totalitarianism and using "bastardized language." The primary political objective is restoring energy independence and competitiveness, calling for an end to the preferential treatment of wind and solar energy. The goal is for Estonia to return to its status as an electricity exporter, as it was in 2018, emphasizing a value-based and political framework.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a detailed knowledge of Europe's primary energy consumption and structure, citing sources such as the "Statistical Review of World Energy." Specific technical data is used (e.g., 52 exajoules, a 5% contribution from wind and solar electricity, 73% from fossil fuels) to substantiate Europe's energy dependence. The importance of physics and fundamental principles in the energy sector is emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and incisive, utilizing strong expressions such as "liberal-democratic totalitarianism" and alluding to George Orwell's "Newspeak." The appeals are a blend of logic (emphasizing the importance of physics and statistics) and emotional condemnation regarding the government's decisions. Examples from other countries (such as the closure of nuclear power plants in Germany) are employed to support the arguments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker spontaneously intervened in the debate, noting that they hadn't originally planned to take the floor, but felt the need to respond to what had been said previously. Reference is also made to an earlier question concerning the same topic, indicating consistent action on energy issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the minister (Andres), who is accused of distorting reality and causing the decline of European competitiveness. Criticism is aimed at the policy (the love for wind and solar energy), as well as the European grid operator organizations who have been running the show, and the "stupidities" of German politicians. The possibility of compromise is not mentioned; instead, the minister is called upon to abandon his policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia’s national energy goals, stressing the need for Estonia to make sensible decisions before "old, big, and slow Europe" grasps the situation. More broadly, the energy and economic policies of the European Union are discussed, noting that Europe is becoming a geopolitical pariah.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the importance of competitiveness and economic growth, which are directly tied to a sensible energy supply. They are critical of European over-regulation and support energy independence, arguing that the current reliance on imports is causing the economy to stagnate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on criticizing the government's strategic decisions (specifically, Elering's strategy) during the interpellation process. The objective is to influence the minister to alter energy policy, thereby setting the goal for Estonia to return to its role as an electricity exporter.
1 Speeches Analyzed