By Months: Rain Epler
Total Months: 11
Fully Profiled: 11
12.2024
19 Speeches
The main opponents are the governing coalition and its ministers (especially Tanel Kiik, Jürgen Ligi, Yoko Alender, Kalle Laanet, Kaja Kallas), who are criticized both for their political decisions (the tax spree, the car tax) and for improper conduct (absence from committees, demagoguery). He/She also criticizes the presiding officer of the session for hypocrisy. The attacks are intense and target both the political substance and personal credibility.
11.2024
38 Speeches
The primary opponents are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who stand accused of leading the country into decline and outright lying, often being referred to as the "red government." The criticism is intense, targeting both the government's policy failures (such as tax hikes and the green transition) and the personal dishonesty and deceitfulness of individual politicians (for example, Jaak Aab's vote to abolish the land tax ceiling). There is no willingness to compromise, as the government's entire course of action is viewed as fundamentally wrong.
10.2024
73 Speeches
The sharpest criticism is directed at Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, who is accused of personal insults, rudeness (especially towards female colleagues), and contradicting himself. Government policy is criticized for its lack of transparency (ministers' arbitrary discretion when moving budget funds) and incompetence (economic recession, budget errors). Interior Minister Läänemets is also criticized for avoiding answering questions on the topic of red symbolism, dismissing it as a "Putinistic narrative."
09.2024
32 Speeches
The main opponents are the governing coalition (especially the Social Democrats and the "green-reds") and ministers accused of incompetence and dishonest practices. The criticism targets both the substance of the policies (the green transition, taxes) and the procedures used (the dismantling of the Riigikogu institution, steamroller tactics). The attacks are intense, and there is no indication of seeking compromise; rather, it is stressed that opponents must not be conceded "even an inch."
07.2024
17 Speeches
The main opponents are the governing coalition (the Reform Party and the Social Democrats), who are intensely criticized for both their policy decisions (tax hikes) and their procedures (violations of the principles of democracy and the rule of law). The attacks are personal and moral, accusing the Social Democrats of appointing a minister who parrots Kremlin talking points, and the Reform Party of having a lust for power. Instead of seeking compromise, all members of the Riigikogu are being called upon to vote against the taxes.
06.2024
22 Speeches
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and former Minister of Finance Annely Akkermann, who are accused of lying and deteriorating the country's finances. Criticism is aimed both at the political substance (tax hikes) and procedural flaws (fast-tracking of legislation, ignoring legal analysis). The opposition's stance is intense, calling for the bills to be scrapped.
05.2024
36 Speeches
The opposition’s stance is intense and widespread, leveling criticism at the coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Estonia 200) for both its political decisions and unethical behavior (specifically, lying before the elections). Criticism is also directed at the violation of procedural rules and the partiality of the leadership/board. The Social Democrats face criticism for hypocrisy (a former minister is now the head of a wind energy company), and the Reform Party is targeted for avoiding political accountability.
04.2024
51 Speeches
The opposition’s stance is intense and multi-faceted, criticizing both the substance of the policies (the green transition, tax hikes) and procedural unfairness (disregard for good legislative practice, suppression of the opposition). Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is personally attacked, with critics questioning her empathy and labeling her "Estonia's worst prime minister." The Riigikogu board is also criticized for favoring the coalition.
03.2024
64 Speeches
The primary targets are Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and members of the government, who face sharp criticism regarding their political decisions (the bank tax, car tax, and energy policy) and for alleged dishonesty. The criticism is intense, specifically accusing officials and ministers of outright lying and concealing information in Riigikogu committees (for instance, concerning Elering's financing plans). The speaker also criticizes the Prime Minister's rhetoric, labeling it demagoguery and the "delivery of empty talking points."
02.2024
5 Speeches
The primary confrontation is with the Social Democrats (the "Socs"), who are criticized both for economic incompetence (specifically, their inability to grasp the importance of economic growth) and for extreme rhetoric (such as comparing political parties to the mafia and Putinist Russia). The critic also takes issue with the prime minister's concern regarding corporate profits. This criticism is rooted both in policy disagreements and fundamental values.
01.2024
47 Speeches
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the government, who face criticism over tax hikes, the green transition, and the economic recession. The criticism targets both political decisions and a lack of transparency (specifically, the concealment of the special audit concerning Nordica, and the silence surrounding the Slava Ukraini investigation). Separately, government members and long-serving colleagues in the chamber are criticized for violating procedural order, with demands for impartiality being directed at the session chair.