Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-17
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the draft legislation concerning the creation of a super database for the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the legalization of profiling. This position is principled, focusing on protecting citizens' privacy and freedoms from excessive state control ("the deep state"). Furthermore, the economic policy of the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Eesti 200) is sharply criticized, with accusations that they are impoverishing the populace.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the bill's details, referencing specific sections (§ 59²) and data categories (date of birth, education, assets, tax declarations). They employ technical terminology such as "profile analysis," "automated IT solutions," and "artificial intelligence/kratt," emphasizing the continuous processing of data. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with previous national data usage cases, such as the incident involving police cameras.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and blunt, explicitly accusing the presenter of lying and contradictions. Strong emotional appeals are used, warning against the jeopardizing of democracy and the "deep state," and emphasizing that the government is "tightening the screws." The speaker also uses the cultural analogy of the "kratt" to illustrate the tireless work of artificial intelligence.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session, posing both procedural questions to the presiding officer and substantive, pointed questions to the rapporteur. This behavior demonstrates a readiness to intervene and demand clarity regarding both the procedural rules (the question-and-answer round) and the content of the draft legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government coalition (Reform Party, Social Democrats, Estonia 200) and the bill's presenter, Maris Lauri. The criticism is intense and substantive, accusing the opponents of lying, impoverishing the populace, and endangering democracy. The opposition is absolute, as a proposal is being made on behalf of the faction to immediately terminate the bill's proceedings.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is caucus-centric, as the speaker proposes to suspend the proceedings on behalf of their own caucus. There is no evidence of cooperation or readiness to compromise with other parties; rather, the emphasis is placed on confrontation with the coalition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national level and legislation, addressing the mandates of the Financial Intelligence Unit (Rahapesu Andmebüroo) and the proceedings of the Riigikogu (Parliament). There are no references to specific regional or local issues.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives manifest as strong opposition to government policy, which is widely viewed as impoverishing the populace and being confiscatory. Within the context of this draft legislation, concerns are highlighted regarding the extensive collection and surveillance of financial data (including income and social tax, VAT and customs declarations, and account information).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the defense of civil liberties and privacy against state surveillance. The speaker objects to the mass collection of personal data (including nationality, familial ties, and education) and criticizes the loss of the right to inquire about the data collected on oneself. This is framed as a defense against "dictatorship" and the "deep state."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft bill put forward by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a bill that would mandate the creation of an extensive database and widespread profiling. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the draft and proposes halting its legislative proceedings entirely. Attention is also being paid to compliance with the procedural rules of the Riigikogu session and the conduct of the rapporteurs.
5 Speeches Analyzed