Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Draft Bill on Amendments to the State Assets Act and the Land Cadastre Act (327 SE)
2024-01-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is directed towards defending and clarifying the internal procedures and rules of order of the Riigikogu. The speaker has adopted a defensive stance, denying accusations of obstruction while justifying the absence of the bill's sponsors due to illness and foreign travel. Simultaneously, he criticizes the session secretariat for failing to verify the availability of the rapporteurs before distributing the agenda, thereby emphasizing the importance of procedural accountability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise has been demonstrated in the knowledge of the Riigikogu’s internal procedures and practices, particularly concerning the preparation of the agenda and verifying the availability of presenters. The speaker refers to a previous practice whereby the session department was responsible for confirming the presence of the presenters. There is no information available regarding knowledge of substantive legislation (the State Assets Act or the Land Cadastre Act).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is initially explanatory and defensive, but it quickly turns confrontational and commanding when he tells Mr. Ligi to be silent. The emphasis rests on logical justification (explaining absences) and procedural language ('obstructive activity,' 'session division'). The tone is direct and resolute.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of behavior indicates a response to the procedural question and accusations that arose during the session. The speaker is aware of the colleagues' activities, citing their illnesses and foreign assignments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at those who accuse the speaker of obstruction, and specifically at Mr. Ligi, who is being called to order. The criticism is procedural, rejecting the accusation of intentionally hindering the bill's proceedings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates solidarity with their colleagues, defending their absence and justifying it with objective circumstances. There is a complete lack of any reference to a willingness to compromise or cross-party cooperation with the opposing side.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly at the national level, concentrating on the internal organization of the Riigikogu and the legislative process.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the procedural order for the first reading of Bill 327 SE (the Draft Act amending the State Assets Act and the Land Cadastre Act). The speaker acts as both the defender and administrator of the process, striving to ensure the proceedings run smoothly while simultaneously faulting the administration for insufficient preparation.
1 Speeches Analyzed