Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Planning Act and other laws (accelerating the adoption of renewable energy) (541 SE) - second reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is fiercely opposed to the government's climate and energy policy, which they label "the drivel of a liberal elite gone completely mad." They stress the necessity of focusing on dispatchable energy production capacities, such as oil shale and nuclear power, while opposing the rapid acceleration of renewables. Criticism is also leveled at the government's incompetence and irresponsible conduct in both lawmaking and finance.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in energy policy and the procedural quality of legislation, highlighting the difference between dispatchable and intermittent power capacities. Specific numerical data and forecasts are utilized, criticizing the car tax revenue (18 million collected in four months versus the 137 million forecast) and the costs associated with frequency reserves.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and critical, leveling accusations of negligence and haste against the Ministry of Climate, and incompetence against the government. Irony and cynical phrasing are employed (e.g., "speaking with a sneering face"), and political attacks are subtly delivered via procedural questions. The text concludes by expressing hope that the coalition will "finally see reason."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu debate, presenting both longer substantive speeches and procedural control questions to draw attention to the actions of opponents. The patterns of activity show a focus on criticizing the quality and schedule of the legislative procedure, referencing earlier events (the first reading before Christmas).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Ministry of Climate, Prime Minister Michal, and the Social Democrats, who are accused of sloppy lawmaking and employing an ideological "steamroller." The criticism is intense, addressing both the quality of the legislative procedure and potential political party connections behind the joint proposals made by the ministry and Utilitas Wind. They are showing no willingness to compromise; instead, they demand the complete suspension of the bill's proceedings.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national issues (Estonian energy policy, public finance), but the criticism of the car tax highlights its negative impact on people living in rural areas and on large families.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes (VAT, electricity excise) and new taxes (car tax), emphasizing their negative impact on both the state budget and the populace. The criticism focuses on the government’s incompetence in making financial forecasts, citing examples of large amounts of uncollected revenue.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing and interrupting the processing of Bill 541 SE (Acceleration of Renewable Energy), highlighting the quality of the legislative framework's design. The speaker is a staunch opponent who seeks the termination and shelving of the bill, which would significantly amend the Electricity Market Act.
5 Speeches Analyzed