Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Third Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly anti-government, centering on the inconsistent application of procedural norms and a widespread lack of public trust in the administration. Criticism is aimed at the government's actions and its setting of priorities, particularly regarding the handling of the teachers' issue, which is considered the bedrock of the nation. The focus remains on criticizing the government's performance and effectiveness (a performance-driven critique).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a solid grasp of the Riigikogu's procedural norms and is capable of contrasting them with the government's priorities, specifically by referencing the expedited handling of "high-impact bills." Furthermore, awareness regarding the level of public trust is emphasized, encompassing local authorities, businesses, and the general populace.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and confrontational, using rhetorical questions to clarify the motives behind the government's actions. The speaker uses comparison and contrast (fast vs. slow procedure) and presents their views in the form of a rejoinder to emphasize the general crisis of confidence. The tone is formal, but the content is accusatory.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data missing
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the incumbent government, which is being criticized both for procedural inconsistencies and a widespread loss of confidence. The criticism is intense and encompasses not only the political decisions themselves but also the manner in which they are made, pointing to a lack of trust among local municipalities, businesses, and the Estonian people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, dealing with the government's trustworthiness and its relations with local municipalities and businesses. Specific regional projects or areas are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views presented are indirect, pointing to low business confidence in the government, which suggests underlying concerns about the business environment. Specific positions on taxation or fiscal policy are not presented, even though the context of the speech is the draft budget amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly underscores the role and importance of teachers, calling them the cornerstones of the state, which points to the priority of the education sector among social issues. This emphasis is tied to criticism of the government’s decision regarding how legislation related to teachers is being processed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards ensuring compliance with procedural norms and prioritizing draft legislation, while criticizing the government's choices regarding the expedited processing of high-impact bills and the protracted procedure concerning the teachers' issue. The specific debate is occurring in the context of the third reading of the draft Act amending the 2024 State Budget Act (Bill 389 SE).
2 Speeches Analyzed