Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
They are lying with unbelievable brazenness! Why?
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on the alleged dishonesty of government officials and the concealment of information from the Riigikogu regarding the financing of energy investments. The speaker expresses strong opposition to the development of offshore wind farms and criticizes an energy policy that invests in connections in Southern Estonia, even though the actual bottleneck is located in the North. The overall framework is heavily performance-based, highlighting a lack of transparency and inefficient investment decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the energy sector, utilizing technical terms such as "overload charge," "bottleneck tariff," and referencing specific projects (the Paide-Sõrve cable, 4 TWh of wind power). They are well-acquainted with both ministry officials (Kasemets, Vaks) and the financing plans of the system operator (Elering), as well as European regulations concerning the elimination of bottlenecks.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is accusatory and combative, culminating in a direct question regarding officials lying and concealing information within Riigikogu committees. The appeal is strongly logical and fact-based, employing a chronological juxtaposition of statements made by officials and the head of Elering to demonstrate dishonesty.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity demonstrates systematic and consistent work within the parliament's oversight bodies, referencing specific sessions of the Special Committee on State Budget Control (March 4 and 5). They closely monitor the public responses given by officials and the system operator, as well as the inconsistencies that arise between them within a short period.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are high officials of the Ministry of Climate (Secretary General Kasemets and Head of Department Vaks), who are directly accused of withholding information from and lying to members of the Riigikogu (Parliament). The criticism is intense, focusing both on unethical conduct and the misguided political direction concerning energy investment priorities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy infrastructure and international interconnections (the fourth Estonia-Latvia interconnection, and connections with Finland). Emphasis is placed on the internal regional imbalance, where the bottleneck is in the North, but investments are directed to the South, which exacerbates the bottleneck.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives center on fiscal prudence and the systematic application of congestion charges, which, under the European regulatory framework, should be directed towards eliminating bottlenecks. The presenter notes that poor investment decisions (specifically, the Southern interconnections) are preventing electricity prices from becoming more favorable in Northern Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards the oversight of government activity and ensuring transparency within the Riigikogu committees. The official concerned is involved in supervising the financing plans and implementation of existing planning documents (the Estonia-Latvia fourth interconnection), rather than initiating new legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed