Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Draft Act amending the Riigikogu Election Act, the Local Government Council Election Act, and the European Parliament Election Act (292 SE)
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political platform centers on strong opposition to the continuation of e-voting, emphasizing the decline in public trust and the system's lack of reliability. The political elite is criticized for standing "like a wall" behind e-elections, ignoring public opinion and the widespread deficit of trust. This position is strongly based on both values and outcomes, using the Prime Minister's low approval rating as an analogy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding election laws and the reliability of e-voting, focusing specifically on the dynamics of public opinion and trust. Arguments are supported using political parallels and percentage figures (e.g., 40% and 81% mistrust), though these serve a rhetorical rather than a technical purpose. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about parliamentary procedures and the assessment of proper etiquette for posing questions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, critical, and sarcastic, especially when communicating with the presenter, who is accused of either lacking an opinion or lacking the courage to express one. Strong rhetorical questions and dramatic imagery are employed—for example, a reference to the death of the last person who trusted e-elections—thereby emphasizing the urgency of change. The overall tone is challenging and focuses on evaluating the motives and behavior of the opposing side.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu sessions, asking questions during the first reading of the draft bill (292 SE) on March 20, 2024. This pattern of activity indicates participation in legislative debate, focusing on posing questions and challenging the arguments of the opposing party.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the broader political elite, including judges, officials, and politicians who defend e-voting despite the public's lack of confidence. Criticism is also leveled at government leaders (a reference to the Prime Minister's low approval ratings), and the rapporteur is personally criticized for their lack of a clear stance and perceived indecisiveness.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A collaborative style is absent; the speaker is confrontational and focuses on challenging the opposing side's arguments and personal conduct. There are no references to compromises, coalitions, or cross-party cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic issues (tax changes and the cancellation of child benefits) are mentioned merely as examples of unpopular political decisions, used to draw a parallel with the illogical nature of the debate surrounding e-elections. There is no specific stance on taxes, spending, or economic growth.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding the social sector, the abolition of child benefits is mentioned as an example of an unpopular political decision, but a concrete social policy position is lacking. The focus is rather on the credibility of the elections than on social issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft bill (292 SE) proposing amendments to election laws, specifically those governing Riigikogu, local government, and European Parliament elections. The speaker is a staunch opponent of continuing e-voting, positioning themselves as a critic and adversary of the system.
3 Speeches Analyzed