Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic" (713 OE)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
Politically, it supports the obligation of all societies to care for their weaker members, thereby advocating for raising the subsistence benefit threshold. At the same time, it sharply criticizes the tax policy of the government (SDE and the Reform Party), which consists of first taking money away through taxes (VAT, car tax) and then returning it as benefits through costly administration. The framework is strongly fiscally and efficiency-oriented, criticizing the actions of the social democrats as socialism that leads to bankruptcy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates strong expertise in the field of fiscal policy and social benefits, particularly in analyzing the regressive impact of value-added tax (VAT). Uses concrete figures and statistical estimates to back up arguments, calculating both the cost of tax hikes and the administrative cost of benefits for the target group. Presents detailed calculations, concluding that the tax increase effectively took approximately 14 million euros away from the target group, and returning this amount via benefits costs 3–5 million euros in administrative expenses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and number-based, yet simultaneously sharply critical and occasionally confrontational. It employs a logical appeal, comparing the costs and efficiency of tax hikes and subsidies to demonstrate the futility of the government’s actions. The tone is formal yet accusatory, describing tax collection as "robbing money" and concluding with an ideological warning about the dangers of socialism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity has been centered around the first reading of a specific draft bill (713 OE), involving participation both in the Q&A session and in the final discussion. This pattern of activity indicates a deep dive into the details and a readiness to pose critical questions to the opposing side.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats and the Reform Party, who are being criticized for their joint tax policy decisions (VAT, car tax, and the abolition of the child income tax exemption). The criticism is policy-based and intense, focusing on the inefficiency of these decisions and their negative impact on lower-income individuals. The opposition is ideological, accusing the Social Democrats of moving towards socialism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses entirely on national fiscal policy, taxation, and social benefit systems, analyzing their impact on the state budget and the target group. There is no regional or local focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The position advocates for lower taxes and allowing people to keep more of their money, strongly opposing tax increases and the costly administration of subsidies. It criticizes regressive taxes (such as VAT) and new taxes (like the car tax) due to their negative impact on lower-income groups. It emphasizes the expense involved in collecting taxes and administering benefits, deeming it wasteful.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Emphasizes the social obligation to care for the weaker members of society, focusing on the economic situation of recipients of subsistence benefits and families with children. It criticizes government decisions that have financially harmed this specific target group, such as the abolition of the income tax exemption for child maintenance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the draft bill (713 OE) to raise the subsistence benefit threshold, albeit critically. The debate is being used as a platform to criticize the Reform Party and the Social Democrats for their previous legislative decisions concerning taxes (VAT, car tax) and benefits, decisions which have worsened the situation for the target group.
3 Speeches Analyzed