Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Third Reading of the Draft Act Amending Section 11¹ of the Identity Documents Act (256 SE)
2024-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position focuses on enhancing the security and trustworthiness of state procedures, particularly concerning identity verification. It supports the amendment to the Identity Documents Act (Bill 256 SE), which permits identification via video link for applicants seeking a return permit. This issue is leveraged to present a strong, value-based critique against the security of e-voting, demanding that identification via video link be made mandatory in that context as well. The criticism is also aimed at the political choices and Russia-related positions of the Reform Party.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the areas of identity verification and election security, stressing the necessity of maintaining a consistent approach nationwide. He/She references specific state procedures (such as proving the life status of pensioners and notarial acts) as well as the Election Service's previous stances on facial recognition technology. To bolster his/her arguments, he/she draws on historical examples (the Greek pension scandal) and criticism leveled by international observers regarding e-voting.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and sharply critical, utilizing the discussion of the draft law for broader political commentary. Logical arguments concerning the necessity of standardizing security are employed, but these are supplemented by sarcasm and anecdotal examples (e.g., the internal election issues of colleague Ligi). The address is formal yet illustrative, emphasizing the importance of visual identification through hypothetical scenarios.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu plenary session, taking part in the third reading of the draft law and requesting additional time to present their views. They reference recent events, such as the election of the Riigikogu Board and the compilation of the Reform Party's European Parliament list, which demonstrates up-to-date political awareness.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Reform Party, criticizing both their internal election procedures and the selection of the lead candidate for the European elections. The attack is intense and politically charged, accusing the Reform Party's candidate (Urmas Paet) of having a "Putinistic" stance regarding Russia. The criticism also extends to the Electoral Service, which has refused to implement facial recognition technology in e-voting due to security risks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national procedures (ID cards, elections) and the international level (the visa-free regime with Russia, the example of Greece, and the electoral methods used by European countries). There is no specific regional or local emphasis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on issues of social security and public trust in the state, citing as an example the requirement for pensioners to prove they are alive. Also crucial is ensuring the reliability of democratic procedures (elections), linking this to national security and risks emanating from Russia. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring that identity verification is always visually verifiable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The immediate legislative focus is the amendment to the Identity Documents Act (256 SE), which the speaker supports. The primary legislative priority, however, is amending the e-voting regulation, demanding the inclusion of identity verification via video link—especially given the potential introduction of voting via smart devices. The speaker supports the 256 SE bill but is using it as a platform to introduce amendments opposing e-voting.
3 Speeches Analyzed