Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (104 OE), titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Remove the So-Called Bronze Soldier Statue from Public Space"
2024-01-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on removing the Bronze Soldier statue from public space to put an end to the associated celebrations and commotion. The speaker strongly supports the bill's objective, while emphasizing the need to grant the Government of the Republic full discretion regarding the statue's future fate. This position is clearly aimed at resolving a specific political problem, grounded in both underlying values and procedural correctness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the principles governing the separation of legislative and executive powers, as well as the procedure for implementing the proposed bill. Furthermore, they introduce the themes of the green transition and material reuse into the discussion, referencing potential reprocessing opportunities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and inquisitive, focusing on clarifying the objectives of the draft bill and its concepts (e.g., public space). The speaker employs formal language and emphasizes logical argumentation, particularly concerning the principle of the separation of powers, while strictly avoiding emotional appeals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data only covers two speeches given on the same day, which demonstrates active participation in the debate surrounding the first reading of the specific bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation, but the speaker addresses questions raised among colleagues concerning the imprecision of the draft bill (specifically, where to place the statue). He defends the structure of the draft, emphasizing that it is consistent with the principle of the separation of powers, thereby indirectly countering viewpoints that criticize procedural ambiguity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker collaborates with the presenter, posing clarifying questions about the draft bill's objectives in order to confirm its actual substance. He refers to the positions held by colleagues either to refute them with sound arguments or to clarify the true content of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national and historical issue concerning public space in Estonia. There are no references to specific regional interests or local communities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The only economic reference is to the reuse and recycling of materials, which is linked to green transition goals. There is no data regarding stances on broader taxes, spending, or regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is connected to historical memory and public order, stressing the necessity of removing a symbol from the public space that incites celebrations and unruly commotion. The objective is to ensure social peace and a shared public environment by restricting certain commemorative events.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 104 (104 OE), which proposes that the government remove the Bronze Soldier statue from public space. The speaker is a strong proponent and explainer of the draft, stressing that it adheres to the principle of the separation of powers.
2 Speeches Analyzed