Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Second reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Extension of the Term of Use of the Defence Forces in the Implementation of Estonia's International Obligations in the European Union's Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique" (480 OE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance focuses on strong opposition to the hypocrisy inherent in the European Union's and Estonia's green transition rhetoric, especially in the context of the Mozambique mission. The speaker supports the continued use of fossil fuels (gas) in Europe but sharply criticizes the methods by which this gas is procured from third countries (via corrupt regimes and with the help of the military). The stance is primarily value-based (anti-hypocrisy) and critical of current policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding Mozambique's gas reserves (the 14th largest globally), including their discovery date (2017) and location (Cabo Delgado). Furthermore, he is aware of the economic rationale behind the mission. He specifically names the LNG projects run by TotalEnergies and Exxon Mobil, and explains the socio-economic roots of the conflict (corruption) and the role of the Rwandan forces, who are funded by the EU.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and sarcastic, employing the juxtaposition of idealistic EU slogans and reality (securing the gas business). The speaker uses charged phrases (e.g., "negro kings") and compares the situation to fairy tales to highlight the hypocrisy. The style is emotional and confrontational rather than neutrally data-driven.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker notes that they had a similar opportunity to speak about Mozambique a year ago as well, referencing their repeated and regular participation in the discussions concerning this specific foreign mission.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the proponents of the green transition in the Riigikogu (specifically naming Hanah Lahe, Tiit Maran, and Züleyxa Izmailova), along with the European Union's hypocritical climate policy. The criticism is intense and focuses on a political inconsistency: while there is talk of ending fossil fuels, their acquisition is secured by the military.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is lacking; the speaker addresses colleagues directly (Hanah Lahe, Züleyxa Izmailova) with the aim of drawing their attention to political hypocrisy and compelling them to re-evaluate their views.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, concentrating on the crisis in Mozambique (Cabo Delgado), corruption, and the European Union’s military and economic activities in Africa.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support the continued necessity of gas as a fossil fuel for Europe, but they criticize the inherent contradictions in the rhetoric surrounding the green transition. The speaker sharply criticizes corruption and the prioritization of large business projects (LNG), noting that the protection of the population and local economic benefits are treated as secondary concerns.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The discussion of social issues addresses the socio-economic problems in Mozambique stemming from corruption and the unfair distribution of wealth. These issues led to unrest and the rise of extremist Islamic groups. He emphasizes that the primary objective of the soldiers is to secure business projects, not the local population.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing a specific bill (480 OE) concerning the extension of the mandate for deploying the defense forces in Mozambique. The speaker strongly opposes the justifications provided in the bill's explanatory memorandum, believing the mission's true objective is the protection of commercial interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed