Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The most striking themes are the opposition to the government’s green transition—which is viewed as destructive to the economy and general welfare—and the demand for transparency and accountability in state governance. The political stance is strongly aimed against the government’s policies, particularly concerning the activities of the Ministry of Climate and major projects (such as Rail Baltic). The overall framework is a blend of value-based criticism (property rights, child protection) and performance-based criticism (road funding, the energy crisis).
39 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of the energy and infrastructure sectors, highlighting specific costs (e.g., 360 million for power grid development, 1 billion for the Estonia-Latvia interconnection) and legal details (e.g., Article 122 TFEU for applying for a CO2 quota exemption). Furthermore, he is well-versed in the operational procedures and rules of procedure of the Riigikogu, posing detailed questions regarding the handling of interpellations and the limits of the committees' right to self-regulation.
39 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of rhetoric is predominantly combative, direct, and sharply critical, especially towards the Riigikogu board and the ministers. Sarcasm and irony are often employed (e.g., suggesting the closure of the legal department because laws are not being followed, or referencing the Prime Minister's walk in Kadriorg). Logical arguments and procedural details are frequently intertwined with emotional accusations (e.g., labeling the board's actions as "cowardly and base").
39 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during Riigikogu sessions, constantly submitting interpellations (A/P) and draft legislation, particularly addressing the Minister of Climate and the Prime Minister. A significant portion of this activity involves raising procedural questions and challenging the decisions of the Presidium, especially concerning the transmission and scheduling of those interpellations. Persistence is demonstrated by consistently resubmitting questions that have previously been rejected.
39 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar (facing accusations of repression, incompetence, and disregard for the law), as well as Climate Minister Yoko Alender and Kristen Michal. The criticism is directed both at the substance of the policy (road funding, restrictions on the green transition) and at procedural conduct (ministers' absence from committees, the fast-tracking of draft legislation). The confrontation is intense, and no willingness to compromise is evident, with the coalition being accused of pursuing "steamroller politics."
39 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker actively collaborates with their fellow parliamentary group members, submitting joint interpellations and legislative drafts (e.g., together with Martin Helme to the Governor of the Bank of Estonia). This cooperation is clearly intra-opposition and aimed at scrutinizing the government's activities. There are no indications of a readiness to seek compromises with the coalition or to act across party lines.
39 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national and international issues (EU regulation, Rail Baltic), but specific regional problems are also highlighted. Separate attention is dedicated to the security and social challenges facing the border regions of Southeast Estonia, as well as the restoration of local rail links (Pärnu, Haapsalu) as a counterpoint to Rail Baltic.
39 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is against regulations restricting economic activity, especially in the context of the green transition, which limit the use of private property (forests). The speaker supports the introduction of an extraordinary bank tax on excess profits generated by the rapid transfer of interest rate increases to borrowers, but not to depositors. The speaker advocates for allowing the use of oil shale, which ensures energy production security and brings economic benefit, through a CO2 quota exemption.
39 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker takes a strong stance on child protection issues, opposing amendments to the law that would allow persons convicted of certain crimes to work with children based on a decision by the Ministry of Social Affairs. In addition, the speaker addresses the protection of rural areas and property by presenting a draft bill that would permit the hunting of predators (wolves) without a hunting license in cases of damage caused by wildlife.
39 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The representative is an active initiator, submitting numerous inquiries (e.g., regarding road funding, Nordica, compensation areas, and ministers' representation expenses) and draft legislation. The main legislative priorities are the implementation of a bank tax, amending the Hunting Act to prevent damage caused by predators, and modifying the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act to increase ministerial accountability.
39 Speeches Analyzed