Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic's Government to submit an application to the European Commission for the exemption of energy production companies from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas" (619 OE)
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial issue is Estonia's energy security and economic competitiveness, both of which are jeopardized by the current CO2 quota system. The politician strongly advocates for the use of fossil fuels (oil shale) to guarantee affordable and stable electricity (with a price target of 30 €/MWh). This stance is deeply rooted in policy and values, prioritizing national interests over those of the European Union, and labeling European climate policy as self-destructive. The politician predicts that the current European system will soon collapse, necessitating flexibility and a focus on pursuing our own interests.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The politician demonstrates deep subject matter expertise in energy and global energy policy, utilizing specific data (e.g., 60 exajoules, 85% of imports) and technical terminology (efficiency, reserve capacity). He is well-versed in the energy strategies of the USA and China and is capable of comparing the construction costs and operational lifespan of different production methods (oil shale vs. wind/solar). Furthermore, he understands how CO2 emissions trading functions as a financial instrument and the potential applications of Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and insistent, emphasizing the decline of Europe and Estonia’s unique advantage. Both logical arguments (statistics, geopolitical comparisons) and strong, emotional metaphors ("hollow ring," "virtue signaling," "climate hysteria") are used to discredit opponents' positions. The politician also employs historical parallels, comparing the development of intermittent electricity to Lysenkoism and the European Union to the Soviet Union.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician is actively involved in the legislative process, submitting specific draft legislation and participating in the subsequent discussions within the Riigikogu Environment Committee. They appear in the Riigikogu chamber to present the bill and answer questions, referencing earlier debates and the official positions held by civil servants. Their pattern of activity is focused on pushing through this specific legislative amendment.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled against coalition politicians, officials at the Ministry of Climate (Rein Vaks), and the head of Elering. They are accused of disregarding Estonian interests and spreading misleading information. The criticism is primarily focused on policy and substance, accusing the opponents of proposing unrealistic solutions and strangling the economy. The politician remains skeptical regarding the coalition's supporting votes and deems the officials' arguments irrelevant.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The politician envisions international cooperation with neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) to submit a joint application to the European Commission for a CO2 quota exemption. In domestic politics, the willingness to cooperate is low, but he/she acknowledges the opposition MP (Hanah Laht) for her constructive thinking regarding the complete abolition of the quota obligation. The draft bill itself proposes a two-stage negotiation strategy (first with the neighbors, then alone).
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on Estonia and the immediate region (the Baltics), emphasizing Estonia's unique position thanks to its oil shale reserves. The goal is to re-establish Estonia as the energy powerhouse of the Baltics and the immediate region—a country capable of supplying Latvia and Lithuania, thereby improving the regional electricity price. The politician emphasizes the need to proceed primarily from its own interests, not the "great European interests."
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly centered on growth and competitiveness, emphasizing the critical role of affordable input energy in securing industry and welfare. The politician opposes the CO2 quota system, which, in his estimation, has become a financial instrument in bankers' portfolios rather than an effective climate measure. He advocates for a nationally guaranteed favorable electricity price for the businesses and citizens of his country.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to economic well-being; affordable energy is a prerequisite for maintaining a welfare society (including education, healthcare, and the fine arts). The politician expresses concern that current policies will lead to a decline in living standards and poverty. The topic of climate change is treated as "climate hysteria," which is built on lies, and it is stressed that the impact of human activity on the climate is negligible.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (619 OE), which would oblige the government to request a temporary exemption from the European Commission from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas pursuant to Article 122 of the TFEU. The politician is the initiator and supporter of the draft, with the aim of halting the strangulation of the oil shale energy sector and restoring the country's electricity generation capacity. The draft also includes a recommendation to reduce the volume of European quota sales to prevent market instability.
11 Speeches Analyzed