Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Second reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (706 OE) "Extension of the Term for the Use of the Defence Forces in Fulfilling the International Obligations of the Estonian State in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique"
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position focuses on exposing the hypocrisy behind international missions, especially concerning the acquisition of fossil fuels (gas) through cooperation with corrupt regimes. The speaker sharply criticizes the support for Draft 706 OE as a moral compromise that places Europe’s energy needs above human rights. This position is value-based, emphasizing the contradiction between the values being preached and the actual economic interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the economic and political context underlying the conflict in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, specifically highlighting the discovery of the gas field and the subsequent issues surrounding revenue sharing. Technical terms (LNG, force majeure) are employed, and references are made to specific international corporations (TotalEnergies, Exxon Mobil) and military actors (Rwanda). The text also provides an overview of how the mission’s mandate shifted from protecting human rights to training military personnel.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, critical, and slightly cynical, focusing on exposing contradictions and hypocrisy. The speaker uses logical arguments to explain the economic causes of the conflict but adds sarcasm when evaluating the motives of colleagues (Izmailova, Lahe). The overall tone is serious yet ironic, especially when referencing "conventional hypocrisy."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referred to a recurring pattern of activity, noting that in previous years they had also supplemented colleague Eesmaa’s address on the same topic, which suggests annual engagement in the discussions surrounding this mission. They also predict that next year they will have to update the data regarding the situation in Mozambique again.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets Mozambique's corrupt leadership, which refuses to share gas revenues, and the European political establishment, which prioritizes energy needs over human rights. Specifically, colleagues Izmailova and Hanah Laht are criticized, as are "climate activists," for their contradictory stances on fossil fuel imports and moral values. The criticism is harsh and questions personal motives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong international focus, centered on the conflict in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, its economic underpinnings, and the link to the European Union's energy security and its need for fossil fuels.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives highlight the role that international resource extraction (gas) plays in fueling conflicts and corruption within developing nations. The text criticizes Europe's inconsistency: advocating for an end to fossil fuel use while simultaneously securing gas imports, thereby supporting major corporations such as TotalEnergies and Exxon Mobil.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The treatment of social issues focuses on the protection of human rights, women's rights, and children's rights in the context of international missions. The speaker emphasizes that these values are abandoned ("tossed in the bin") when they conflict with European energy security and economic interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 706 OE, which concerns extending the term for deploying the Estonian Defence Forces in Mozambique. The speaker is a critical analyst of the draft's rationale, emphasizing its contradiction with the core principles of human rights and the anti-corruption fight.
1 Speeches Analyzed