Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Draft law amending the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the International Sanctions Act (640 SE) – third reading
2025-06-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 640 SE, focusing on protecting the rights of citizens and businesses from state surveillance. The primary concern is the creation of a super database with unlimited access and the use of artificial intelligence for 24/7 profiling. This stance is intense and value-driven, emphasizing the complete absence of control mechanisms governing the agency's operations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in data collection, artificial intelligence (kratt), and profiling, highlighting the scope and technical capability of the super database. They are familiar with the legislative procedure (expedited processing) and the absence of legal protection mechanisms concerning a citizen's right to know the data collected about them.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and urgent, employing powerful metaphors (e.g., "flock of sheep," "sleepwalkers," "childish babble") to criticize the coalition. The appeal is primarily emotional and moral, calling on colleagues to exercise reason and conscience, and warning them of future disgrace.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the proceedings of this draft bill, referencing their recent address during the second reading. The speech is being delivered at the close of the spring session, highlighting the final opportunity to act sensibly before the summer recess.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at coalition MPs, who are accused of not knowing the content of the draft bill and blindly following officials. The criticism is both intense and procedural, warning that the coalition is effectively stripping itself of all its rights, and referencing previous scandals (the police camera database).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of engagement is confrontational, yet it includes a direct appeal to coalition members, urging them to vote against the bill by appealing to their personal conscience. Neither cooperation nor compromise is offered; instead, voting against the measure is demanded as the only reasonable course of action.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, centering on the data protection of Estonian individuals and companies, as well as the oversight of Estonian government agencies. International or regional issues are not highlighted, even though the draft bill itself addresses the prevention of money laundering.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views primarily concern the collection and profiling of data belonging to Estonian companies, expressing concern over the scope of state surveillance concerning business activities. Specific economic policy positions (taxation, trade) are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the protection of civil rights and privacy from government surveillance and AI profiling. Emphasis is placed on the right to know what data has been collected about oneself and the necessity of control mechanisms, prioritizing civil liberties over security considerations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the strong opposition to Bill 640 SE (the Act amending the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act). The speaker is against the bill, concentrating on its rushed passage and its rights-restricting content, which would establish an uncontrolled database.
1 Speeches Analyzed