Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
The Minister of Energy and Environment's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The politician takes a strongly opposing stance regarding the government's green transition and the 100% renewable energy target for 2030, calling it an "absurd goal" that should be removed from legislation. He emphasizes that the energy sector must be the foundation of the economy, bringing revenue into the country, and prioritizes the use of dispatchable capacity and oil shale energy. The overall framework is value-based, stressing the preservation of a free Estonian state, Estonian culture, and the Estonian language.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the economics of the energy sector, critically analyzing the country's status as a net importer, the export-import balance, and the impact of subsidies on market prices. They use specific terminology such as CapEx and the CO2 quota price, providing concrete calculations for the break-even thresholds of carbon capture (the quota price should be around 200). Furthermore, they reference international examples (Ontario, Canada) and the opinions of researchers to support their positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is direct, critical, and at times confrontational, starting by labeling the minister's presentation "boring talk" and comparing it to a monotonous university lecture. The speaker employs both logical arguments (economic calculations and balance sheets) and figurative expressions ("running headfirst into a wall," "the techno-utopianism of the future"). He appeals to common sense, stressing that there must always be "a limit to reasonableness" in politics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in parliamentary debates, utilizing the time for critical analysis of the minister’s report and proposing alternative policies. They reference prior work in the Economic Affairs Committee (dating back eighteen months) concerning ESG reporting, which demonstrates a long-standing commitment to the subject. Furthermore, they actively monitor the media, citing the recent broadcast of "Esimene stuudio."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary resistance is aimed at the Minister of Energy and Environment (Andres Sutt) and the Reform Party, who are criticized for their inability to listen, flawed calculations, and the setting of foolish objectives. The criticism is both political (concerning the green transition) and personal (regarding the quality of the report). The opposition is intense, particularly concerning the goals of the green transition, which are widely viewed as destroying the Estonian economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker claims that he has consistently offered a helping hand and sound advice (e.g., regarding ESG reporting and energy), but feels that his offers of cooperation are being ignored. He refers to his faction's joint legislative action (a draft bill aimed at abolishing the mandatory CO2 quota). While he aligns with other colleagues (Arkhipov) on the common objective (clean air), he immediately challenges their positions on the specifics (e.g., air purity limits, CCS).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Ida-Virumaa due to its oil shale energy sector. The speaker stressed the necessity of continuing to use the filters installed on the smokestacks to guarantee clean air in Ida-Virumaa, thus supporting the local environment, while opposing the adoption of costly carbon capture technology.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for an economic policy focused on supporting activities that generate revenue for the country, contrasting this approach with green and social projects that drain funds. He strongly supports utilizing the domestic energy source (oil shale) as the foundation of the economy and promotes regulatory relief—specifically, abolishing the mandatory purchase of CO2 quotas—to ensure affordable electricity and the independent sustainability of producers in the market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On the topic of social issues, the primary emphasis is placed on national values: a free Estonian state, and the preservation of Estonian culture and language. He mentions social welfare as one of the government projects that creates a budget shortfall, but he does not delve into specific social policies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the fastest possible removal of the government's 100% renewable energy target from the law. Furthermore, he supports the bill introduced by his parliamentary group, which would exempt oil shale electricity producers from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas in order to restore their market competitiveness. He is a strong opponent of the government's green initiative goals.
2 Speeches Analyzed