Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Inquiry regarding pressure exerted by the European Central Bank on the Basel Committee (No. 628)
2024-04-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to integrating ideological climate policies into financial regulations, viewing this as a threat to democratic institutions. The speaker criticizes the "unprecedented power grab" taking place under the guise of an "invented climate catastrophe," stressing that decisions should be made through slow democratic processes and elections. This stance is value-based, underscoring the necessity of preserving common sense.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the content published by international banking regulatory bodies (the Basel Committee, the European Central Bank, the US Federal Reserve) and economic publications (Bloomberg, Forbes). They use technical language to criticize the substantial hidden costs and environmental footprint associated with wind and solar energy, effectively questioning their overall environmental sustainability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and at times urgent, utilizing strong expressions like "the hijacking of power" and references to "insane ideas." It appeals to logic and common sense, positioning itself against ideological politics, which it describes as paradoxical and "hollow."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active user of parliamentary oversight mechanisms, having submitted a formal query (No. 628) and noting the record speed with which a response was received. This pattern of activity shows a focus on scrutinizing international financial policy and the operations of central banks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the European Central Bank (ECB) and its representatives, who are accused of pressuring international institutions and pursuing ideological policies. Criticism is also directed at the actions of US President Joe Biden (the "avalanche of executive orders") and, indirectly, at the Estonian Prime Minister over pre-election lies. The criticism is intense and focuses on procedural and political errors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding domestic cooperation. The speaker clearly supports the stance taken by the head of the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) on rejecting ideological policy and calls on the President of the Bank of Estonia to resist the "crazy ideas" coming from the European Central Bank Council, following the example set by the transatlantic ally.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on international and EU-level financial and climate policy matters (ECB, Basel Committee). The general state of the European economy is also addressed, including the question of Germany's economic recovery. A warning is issued that the tightening of ideological rules would lead to negative consequences and represent a "death sentence" for businesses operating in Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for economic stability and opposes radical, ideologically driven restructuring. He criticizes the enormous hidden costs of wind and solar energy, which place a heavy burden on societies. Emphasis is placed on the role of central bank independence, which should counterbalance misguided economic policies, rather than supporting a movement toward the abyss.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus regarding social issues is the protection of democratic processes and institutions against the usurpation of power, which is occurring under the pretext of an alleged climate catastrophe. It is stressed that the reorganization of societal life must take place through elections and legislative bodies, rather than through technocratic decisions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus involves exercising oversight over the activities of the Governor of the Bank of Estonia within the European Central Bank's Governing Council, specifically through a formal inquiry (interpellation). The objective is to ensure that Estonia's representative opposes the integration of climate policy into banking regulations, thereby preventing negative repercussions for the economy.
3 Speeches Analyzed