Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
The suitability of the acting Minister of Defence for their position.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on the question of Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur’s fitness for office, demanding accountability for the opaque spending of defense investment funds (over 720 million euros). The position is strongly performance-based, accusing the minister of lying and demanding his removal from office. Criticism is also being leveled at the Prime Minister for defending the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the financial management and internal control of the Ministry of Defence, based on the audits conducted by the National Audit Office. Specific data (723.9 million euros) is utilized, and specific report points (e.g., 19, 54, 55, 56) are cited to prove that the accuracy of the inventory balance cannot be determined and to highlight deficiencies in the internal control systems. The expert analysis focuses on the details of auditing and accounting for public funds.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very combative and accusatory, focusing on personally attacking the opponent (Pevkur) and accusing him of lying. Emotional appeals are balanced by strong logical argumentation, which is based on citing official State Audit Office reports and presenting detailed facts. The speaker uses historical examples and concludes with the firm assertion that the facts are "black and white."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of behavior suggests active participation in Riigikogu sessions, where repeated and meticulously prepared questions concerning ministerial responsibility are raised. The speaker refers to the previous day’s debate, in which Pevkur participated, and quotes from the official transcripts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main target is Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, who is being intensely criticized for both procedural failures (the failure to establish internal control) and personal dishonesty (lying). Criticism is also directed at the prime minister for defending Pevkur. The intensity of the attack is high, demanding the minister's immediate resignation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
While the speaker references a historical interview conducted in Southeast Estonia concerning the border fence construction, the current focus is clearly on the national level activities of the Ministry of Defence and the National Audit Office. The border fence topic is brought up primarily as historical context to illustrate Pevkur’s previous explanations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on fiscal discipline and the transparency of tax money usage, demanding accountability for the expenditure of defense investments. Concern is expressed that the State Audit Office cannot get a clear picture of the proper accounting of hundreds of millions of euros, which points to a strong emphasis on streamlining public sector financial management.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at addressing the shortcomings in the Ministry of Defence's internal control systems and ensuring ministerial accountability based on the audits conducted by the National Audit Office. The speaker acts as a critic of the government’s actions and an initiator of oversight, stressing the necessity of getting the asset accounting sorted out.
2 Speeches Analyzed