Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Request for information regarding population register entries (no. 754)
2025-05-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political platform is deeply ideological, centered on halting the spread of "progressive ideology" and the concept of "gender plurality" both in Estonia and across the European Union. The primary critique targets the extensive use of discretion by Ministry of Interior officials, which they claim leads to violations of the Name Act, coupled with weak political leadership. This is a strong position, demanding the minister's resignation if the situation fails to improve.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the Name Act, particularly concerning the granting of names that do not correspond to the gender and the requirement for a compelling reason. Specific data is utilized (12 cases over five months), and reference is made to earlier legislative processes, such as the ratification of the UN International Labour Organization charter and the draft bill on gender quotas. The speaker is also aware of how officials exercise their discretionary power in various fields (the green transition, surveillance cameras).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and confrontational, accusing the minister of skillful demagoguery and deliberate obfuscation. Both logical argumentation (analysis of the law's content) and comparisons (the green transition, the issue of cameras) are used to demonstrate the government's alleged untrustworthiness. The piece concludes with a direct and intense call for the minister to resign.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
This pattern of activity is linked to the Riigikogu’s oversight function, specifically by submitting an interpellation to the Minister of the Interior in mid-April and participating in the subsequent discussion. This demonstrates a clear focus on supervising the government’s actions and ensuring accountability regarding the execution of legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the actions taken by the Ministry of the Interior and the Minister (Tarol), specifically criticizing the ideological slant in officials' discretionary authority and the subsequent violation of the law. Furthermore, the coalition (Jürgen Ligi) is criticized for forcing through the gender quotas project. The confrontation is intense and uncompromising, demanding the minister's resignation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is envisioned only with parties sharing a similar ideology, noting that EKRE is the only one attempting to halt the ideological march, and they are hoping for support from Isamaa. There is a complete lack of any indication of readiness to compromise with the governing coalition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is placed on the national level (Estonian legislation and ministerial activities) as well as the international level, highlighting ideological trends in the European Union, the United States, and Great Britain. Local or regional topics are absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Sociopolitically, the speaker is a strong opponent of the ideology of transgenderism and gender plurality, criticizing the practice of assigning gender-nonconforming names and the use of the concept of "social gender." Furthermore, concern is expressed regarding the government's restriction of civil liberties (for example, concerning the issue of cameras and facial recognition technology).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on demanding strict adherence to the Name Act and limiting the discretion of officials, opposing ministry guidelines that permit the assignment of names inconsistent with the person's gender. There is also opposition to the gender quota project for corporate boards being pushed by Jürgen Ligi.
3 Speeches Analyzed