Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the 2024 State Budget Act (517 SE) – first reading
2024-10-15
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly skeptical of the accuracy of the government’s administrative decisions and budget planning. It questions the rationality of reassigning responsibility for wind farm development between the Ministry of Climate and the Ministry of Defence, and demands explanations. It also stresses the need for stricter financial discipline, criticizing the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications for a major planning error concerning expected recoveries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed awareness of state budget amendments, citing specific figures (69 million euros) and problems related to planning the recovery of funds from financing transactions. They also possess knowledge of the intersection between energy and defense policy, mentioning the Ministry of Defense's historical role in hindering the development of wind farms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly questioning and challenging, especially regarding the parliament's procedural rules and the actions of the Presidium. It uses logical arguments and refers to the parliament's internal rules ("the yellow book"), accusing the Presidium of selectively adhering to good practices. The tone is formal and focuses on details and procedural correctness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at both the executive branch of the government (specifically for the inaccurate budget planning by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications) and the parliament's board. The board is criticized for inconsistent conduct regarding the allowance of negotiations and adherence to good practices. The criticism is both procedural and political, demanding accountability and clarity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
While he challenges the decisions made by the Parliament's Board, he expresses principled support for the mutual exchange of views and the prolongation of negotiations, deeming the latter approach more fruitful. He is open to a ministerial rebuttal to his address, but questions whether the rules of procedure actually permit it.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports strict fiscal discipline and requires ministries to undertake meticulous budget planning to avoid the need for borrowing resulting from overlooking expected recoveries. His/Her focus is on budget accuracy and accountability, especially when accounting for financing transactions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the 2024 State Budget Act (517 SE). It concentrates on the specifics of the budget, changes to the administrative jurisdictions of ministries (wind farms), and adherence to parliamentary negotiation and procedural rules.
4 Speeches Analyzed