Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
The second reading of the draft resolution (479 OE) of the Riigikogu concerning "The use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling Estonia’s international obligations in a North Atlantic Treaty Organization or member state, European Union, or United Nations-led international military operation, upon its initial contribution"
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus centers on Estonia's participation in international military operations, particularly concerning the role of the UN. The speaker voices strong skepticism regarding the actions of the UN leadership and the effectiveness of its peacekeepers, aiming to send a value-based political message by limiting cooperation with the UN. This stance is directed at removing the UN-related clause from the draft proposal in protest of the organization leader's recent conduct.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker acknowledges that they are not a military expert but demonstrates awareness of international politics and media coverage (Guterres’s conduct, the situation in Lebanon). Their expertise is focused on sending a political message and offering foreign policy criticism, emphasizing that political context is crucial in lawmaking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical, inquisitive, and later confrontational, using emotional and ironic expressions (e.g., when describing the actions of the UN leader as "bowing down to Putin and drinking vodka with him"). The speaker is blunt during the Riigikogu debate, challenging a colleague's position and demanding concrete political action to amend the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the second reading of the Riigikogu bill, raising questions and objections to influence the bill's content. Reference is made to the Riigikogu's previous forceful messages and declarations, which demonstrates a desire to continue pursuing a strong foreign policy line within the parliament.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed at the UN leadership (Guterres), who is accused of inappropriate conduct and organizational inefficiency (in Lebanon). Within the internal opposition, a colleague's (Leo's) position regarding the substance of the draft and the UN's involvement is being challenged, with critics emphasizing that the UN issue is directly related to the draft.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker engages in cooperation by posing questions, recognizing colleague Leo's military expertise, yet is simultaneously ready to challenge him on the interpretation of the draft bill. The cooperation throughout the debate is rather confrontational, aiming to achieve a strong political position regarding the UN, even if it means amending the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international security issues and Estonia's foreign commitments. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union, and the UN are mentioned, along with references to specific foreign policy events and peacekeeping operations in Lebanon.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on the draft bill (479 OE) concerning the deployment of the Defence Forces in international operations. The speaker is acting as both a critic and a proponent of an amendment, aiming to exclude the reference to operations "led by the United Nations Organization" from the bill in order to send a political message.
2 Speeches Analyzed