Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (568 SE) - First Reading
2025-03-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's renewable energy policy, deeming it economically unsound and ideologically driven. It stresses the necessity of focusing on the total cost to society rather than just the price of electricity, and supports developing weather-independent generation capacity (including oil shale and nuclear power plants). The political framework is heavily economic and results-oriented, standing in opposition to socialist and planned economy ideologies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in energy matters, utilizing specific terms like system services, grid upgrades, capacity reserves, and the carbon allowance fee. He substantiates his arguments by referencing factual data, citing the experiences of Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom concerning the high cost of renewables. He stresses that renewable energy does not lead to lower prices; rather, it generates substantial additional costs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, including direct personal attacks against the opponent's ethics and knowledge (e.g., accusations of deliberate lying and presenting ideological talking points). It employs logical arguments and economic facts ("the facts show"), contrasting them with the opposing side's "mush" and "fairy tales." Irony is used to criticize the opposing party's tendency toward a planned economy and political favoritism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker references their repeated appearances at the Riigikogu podium ("which I have repeatedly spoken about from this podium") and a recent public debate on Delfi, demonstrating consistent activity in political discussions. They actively participate in Economic Committee discussions and hallway conversations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the Reform Party (RE) and the Social Democrats (Sotsid), both of whom face criticism on a personal level (ethics issues) as well as ideologically. The RE is accused of promoting a planned economy, subsidies directed toward narrow target groups, and political favoritism (such as car purchase permits). The criticism is intense, focusing heavily on the government's inefficient and costly energy policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, highlighting the link between energy policy and both the input costs for Estonian industry and the development of national defense. It stresses the necessity of maintaining and, if required, expanding Eesti Energia's existing power generation units (energy blocks). International examples (Denmark, Germany) are utilized to support these arguments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Advocates for the termination of state subsidies and opposes the ideas of a planned economy, stressing that renewable energy increases the total cost to society. It supports industrial development through low input costs and demands the government grant Estonian energy production companies an exemption from the CO2 quota fee. It views the practice of concealing costs through taxation as a socialist approach.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on supporting the draft amendment to the Electricity Market Act (Bill 568 SE), the aim of which is to terminate old support schemes. Furthermore, this requires serious effort from the government to secure an exemption from the cost of CO2 quotas for Estonian energy production companies, in order to ensure sufficient and affordable energy.
3 Speeches Analyzed