Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Customs Act (515 SE) – first reading
2024-10-22
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker focuses on the legislative impetus for expanding customs powers, directly linking it to the scandal concerning business activities with Russia by the former prime minister's family member during the aggression. The stance is aimed at ensuring political accountability and the effectiveness of law enforcement, citing the need to halt the extensive road transport to Russia. The manner in which the question is posed is rather results-oriented, seeking a connection between political failure and the new law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker is familiar with the legislative process, referencing the role of committees in uncovering the background of the proposed bills. They demonstrate expertise in customs law and enforcement measures, specifically citing the authority to stop vehicles and detain individuals. This expertise has been utilized to connect the political scandal with the objectives of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and interrogative, addressing the presiding officer and the rapporteur. The rhetoric employs a specific and sensitive political example (the business dealings of the former prime minister's family member) to clarify the motives of the draft law. The tone is analytical and critical, emphasizing the importance of the background and the underlying impetus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the legislative debate, posing a question during the first reading of the bill. Insufficient data is available to define the frequency of repeated appearances or other patterns of activity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled at the previous situation where a business linked to the former prime minister's family member was allowed to continue road transport to Russia during the aggression. The criticism targets the ineffectiveness of previous enforcement measures and the lack of political accountability. This suggests that the current draft legislation is directly motivated by these specific political and enforcement deficiencies.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the amendment to the national customs law and the international context surrounding the carriage of goods to Russia during the aggression. Domestic regional issues are not addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker addresses the regulation and enforcement of trade, emphasizing the need to halt economic activity linked to Russia's aggression. There is support for stricter customs measures and powers aimed at curbing unethical or sanctioned trade. This stance prioritizes national security over economic interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issues touched upon involve aspects of security and law enforcement related to expanding the powers of customs authorities concerning the detention of individuals and the stopping of vehicles. These measures are framed within the context of national security and Russian aggression.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft Act Amending the Customs Act (515 SE), particularly concerning the expansion of customs authorities’ powers, specifically the right to stop vehicles and detain individuals. The speaker’s role involves critically clarifying the motives and objectives behind the bill, directly connecting them to recent political scandals.
1 Speeches Analyzed