Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Interpellation concerning the collection of data on post-abortion complications (No. 550)
2024-05-27
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on the transparency of government funding, demanding that the minister provide clarification regarding the scheme for the indirect financing of campaigns and suggesting potential concealment. Furthermore, strong emphasis is placed on the role of the presiding officer of the Riigikogu session in managing ministers to ensure strict adherence to the procedural rules for submitting questions. This stance is highly critical of both the government's activities and the organization of parliamentary procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the ministry’s funding practices, distinguishing between direct and indirect financing and demanding a full explanation of the scheme. Furthermore, they possess an authoritative understanding of the Riigikogu’s rules of procedure, particularly concerning the time limits for posing questions and the role of the session chairperson in managing the debate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is demanding, critical, and direct, employing sharp questions and innuendo to challenge the ministry’s motives (e.g., concealing funding). In the second speech, the style is procedural but emotionally charged, criticizing the minister’s interjection and the insufficient intervention by the session chair.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the debate on the inquiry, raising both substantive follow-up questions concerning funding transparency and procedural points directed at the presiding officer of the session. He/She reacts quickly both to the minister's responses and to the experiences shared by colleagues (Vooglaid) during the sitting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main conflict is with the minister, who is being criticized both for opaque funding schemes and impolite behavior (interrupting). The criticism is intense, focusing both on political transparency and the violation of parliamentary procedural rules, demanding that ministers be reined in.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to a colleague (Vooglaid), with whom they share a similar experience regarding the interruption of questions by the minister, which points to a shared concern about parliamentary procedure. Information regarding broader cross-party cooperation or a willingness to compromise is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The transparency of campaign financing has been highlighted among social issues, specifically relating to the collection of data on post-abortion complications. However, the speaker is focusing on administrative matters and the suspicion of concealed funding, rather than the substance of the social policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on holding the government accountable and providing oversight through interpellation. The speaker's priority is ensuring transparency in ministry funding and the enforcement of procedural rules by the parliamentary session chair to keep the debate orderly.
2 Speeches Analyzed