Agenda Profile: Rain Epler

First Reading of the Draft Legislation (736 SE) on the Amendment of the State Budget Act and the Act Amending the State Budget Act

2025-10-13

15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting

Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the amendments to the State Budget Law stemming from EU directives, arguing that they undermine national democracy and the decision-making authority of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The focus is value-based, emphasizing the protection of national sovereignty against the control exerted by Brussels technocrats. Furthermore, the speaker sharply criticizes the current coalition's previous hasty tax decisions.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in budget law, the transposition of EU directives, and financial frameworks, using technical terms such as "four-year frameworks" and "net expenditure ceilings." Specifically, it is explained in detail how the approval of medium-term budgetary objectives bypasses the Riigikogu process.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, cautionary, and at times confrontational, employing strong expressions such as "highly detrimental activity" and "top technocrats." The appeals are primarily logical and procedural, focusing on the loss of democratic control and using metaphors like "rails" to describe the restrictions imposed by Brussels.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the European Commission, Brussels technocrats, and Ursula von der Leyen, who are accused of seizing control and ideologically interfering with national budgets. Criticism is also aimed at the Estonian government, which, by moving forward with the bill, diminishes the decision-making authority of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The attacks are both ideological and procedural, highlighting the danger of democracy being suppressed.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demands the government withdraw the bill, which suggests an uncompromising and confrontational approach to this issue. There is no information regarding a willingness to cooperate or compromise with other political parties.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian democracy and the role of the Riigikogu) and the international level (European Union directives and oversight). Local or regional issues are not addressed.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress national control over finances and opposition to the external regulation of budgetary decisions, particularly through four-year frameworks. Concerns are raised that the EU’s climate targets could impede national energy security investments, such as the construction of nuclear or fossil fuel-based power plants.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The consideration of climate change and climate goals in financial decisions is negatively viewed as an "ambivalent" requirement that technocrats can use to control ideologically unsuitable governments. Other social issues are not addressed.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is opposing Bill 736 SE (amendments to the State Budget Act) and demanding its withdrawal by the government. The speaker is a strong opponent, primarily criticizing the exclusion of the Riigikogu (Parliament) from the process of approving medium-term budget objectives.

3 Speeches Analyzed