Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading
2025-06-16
XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker is strongly opposed to the amendments to the Waste Act, focusing on the argument that costs for residents and local governments (LGUs) should not increase when dealing with valuable raw materials (waste). Their position is outcome-based, highlighting the backward logic and unreasonableness of the draft bill, which forces people to pay extra for valuable commodities. They demand clarification on whether a diligent person living in the countryside can, through their own behavior, reduce their waste expenditure to zero.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of both the economic logic of waste management (demand-supply, the value of raw materials) and practical methods for preventing waste generation in sparsely populated areas. They use analogies drawn from entrepreneurship to criticize the illogical nature of policy, referencing reusable packaging, the composting of biowaste, and the use of paper as fuel. The expertise is directed toward analyzing the cost-value ratio.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is interrogative and critical, employing sharp rhetorical questions and analogies (specifically, the analogy of entrepreneurship) to challenge the minister's claims. The tone is moderately aggressive, and includes a personal jab at the minister's previous business experience ("money squeezed out"). The speaker utilizes a personal narrative ("I am a rural person") to ground the arguments on a practical level.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the minister and the government's draft bill. Criticism targets both the illogical nature of the policy (the increase in costs for valuable raw materials) and the personal level, referencing the minister's previous questionable business practices. The opposition is intense and is expressed through pointed questions that call into doubt the economic soundness of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker clearly focuses on the problems of low-density settlement and rural residents, identifying themselves as a rural person. They highlight how the proposed system affects those who live outside densely populated areas and are actively engaged in preventing waste generation, emphasizing the unique cost implications for rural regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker uses economic logic and business principles to criticize the policy, emphasizing that when dealing with valuable raw materials, costs should not be increasing for consumers and local municipalities. The main focus is on reducing costs, adhering to market logic, and opposing a mandatory minimum fee that penalizes economical behavior.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the first reading of the draft amendment to the Waste Act (657 SE). The speaker opposes the bill, focusing on its economic and practical consequences, particularly concerning the introduction of a mandatory minimum fee in sparsely populated areas and the resulting cost increase for local governments (KOVs).
2 Speeches Analyzed