Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and the Act on International Sanctions (640 UA), which was not announced by the President of the Republic
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political stance is deeply rooted in values, centering on the defense of democracy and individual liberties against attempted takeovers by the bureaucracy and technocrats. The speaker diagnoses a crisis of democracy within the country and forcefully opposes draft legislation, such as the super database law (640 UA), that would grant officials unchecked and extensive powers. This position is robust and performance-driven, leveling accusations of incompetence against the ruling politicians for allowing bureaucrats to seize control of state management.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong command of legislative procedures and the substance of recent controversial bills (including 640 UA, police databases, and 'thought police' legislation), stressing the threat they pose to personal freedoms. Particular emphasis is placed on the technical aspects involved in creating these databases and profiling individuals using modern IT tools. Furthermore, the speaker is well-acquainted with the legislative reading process (first, second, and third readings) and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (the Estonian Parliament), specifically the '5 plus 3 minutes' rule.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and accusatory, employing strong metaphors (e.g., "coursing hounds after a rabbit," "the dustbin of history") and references (e.g., "Orwellian"). The speaker balances political and substantive criticism with personal attacks (e.g., criticizing Maris Lauri's CV) and procedural recommendations. Finally, they suggest reading Charles Bukowski's poems to practice brevity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches occurred during a single session day (2025-09-17) concerning the reconsideration of Bill 640 UA. The speaker was highly active in this debate, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteurs and the Speaker of the Riigikogu, and delivering an extended general debate speech. This pattern indicates a strong focus on one specific, critical piece of legislation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the ruling coalition, who stand accused of incompetence and prioritizing funds (3.5 million euros) over substance. The criticism is intense and political, demanding that the coalition be tossed into the "dustbin of history" and warning against allowing the Social Democrats (Sotsid) to take power. There is also resistance to the bureaucracy and technocrats attempting to seize control of state governance without a mandate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation affecting all Estonian people and businesses, as well as the European level (referencing a grant worth 3.5 million euros). A specific regional or local focus is absent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic arguments are implicit, criticizing the coalition for rushing to secure 3.5 million euros in European funding without properly examining the substance of the legislation. This suggests a priority where democratic values and the rule of law must outweigh financial incentives.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When addressing social issues, there is a strong emphasis on individual liberties and privacy, standing in opposition to the Orwellian state and government surveillance. The speaker criticizes the creation of police databases, the profiling of individuals, and the Ministry of the Interior's draft bill to establish a "thought police" that would penalize the reading of unsuitable literature. This stance is heavily weighted toward civil liberties in the balance between freedom and security.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (640 UA), which the speaker refers to as the "Super Database Law." The speaker is a forceful opponent of the draft bill, stressing its danger to democracy and the unchecked expansion of officials' powers. Furthermore, he criticizes the Ministry of the Interior's "thought police" bill and the police's creation of an illegal database.
4 Speeches Analyzed