Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the State Fees Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (417 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the raising of state levies (417 SE), which is viewed as worsening people's livelihoods and constituting unfair fleecing. The stance is outcome-based, accusing the government of being caught in a conscious or foolish cycle where public sector wage increases lead to cost-based hikes in fees. The speaker questions the government's motives and integrity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in public sector financial mechanisms, directly correlating the salary increase for officials with the raising of cost-recovery fees. The specific term "cost-based" is employed to describe the foundation for fines and levies. The analysis centers on the economic logic and cyclicality of government actions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and confrontational, utilizing strong emotional language, such as, "you skin people without batting an eye." The speaker presents logical arguments regarding the cyclical nature of the government's actions, but the tone is sharp and casts doubt on the minister's motives. A significant portion of the presentation was also spent checking technical issues (microphone operation).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during one session (the first reading of 417 SE), repeatedly posing questions to the minister and demanding an answer to their specific query. Noteworthy is the recurring communication pattern, involving checks of technical aspects to ensure the question reached the addressee.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and a specific minister, who is being sharply criticized for raising state fees and worsening the livelihood of the populace. The criticism is policy-based (referring to the endless cycle of salary and fee increases) and procedural, as the minister allegedly responded to the question by referencing the minimum wage and the Social Democrats’ program, thereby avoiding the actual subject. The intensity of the attack is high, suggesting either the government’s incompetence or outright malice.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to the raising of state fees, which is perceived as damaging to the public's ability to cope financially and as a direct result of government inefficiency. The criticism centers on the link between public sector wage increases and overall cost growth, suggesting a desire to avoid passing these costs onto citizens.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue is people's well-being and the difficulties they face, which are discussed in the context of economic pressure. Government policy is blamed for making it harder to cope, essentially fleecing people by raising fees and levies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft bill (417 SE) amending the State Fees Act. The speaker is acting as a strong opponent, questioning the bill's economic justification and its connection to public sector wage increases.
5 Speeches Analyzed