Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-19
Political Position
The politician holds strongly oppositional views, primarily focusing on resistance to the growth of bureaucracy (specifically citing the Nature Conservation Act) and opposing state surveillance and data collection (referencing the super database bill). He accuses the government (the Reform Party) of dishonesty, claiming they only correct their errors after the issues have already been brought to light by others. The political framework is heavily performance-driven, characterized by criticism of the government's activities and incompetence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise is clearly evident in environmental law (logging quotas, regulations), economic regulation (ESG reporting, competitiveness), and particularly in the fields of data protection and digital surveillance. He draws on specific legislative examples, such as the bureaucratic calculations involved in the draft Nature Conservation Act and the mechanisms for AI profiling.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, accusatory, and forceful, employing sharp and emotional language (e.g., "lied to you," "childish prattle," "sleepwalkers," "flock of sheep"). The speaker directly appeals to the conscience of the coalition MPs, urging them to vote against the measure, while simultaneously highlighting the logical deficiencies in the draft legislation and the absence of control mechanisms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
It refers to active participation in both plenary sessions (where he spoke about the substance during the second reading) and in the work of the committees (the Environment Committee and the Economic Affairs Committee). He focuses on critical bills toward the end of the session, using the time to persuade coalition members of parliament.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party (Õnne Pillak, Andres Sutt) and the coalition members as a whole, who are accused of fast-tracking laws and failing to delve into their substance. The criticism is intense, accusing Pillak of outright lying and the coalition of behaving like a "flock of sheep." No willingness to compromise with the government is being shown; instead, they are demanding a vote against the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The approach to collaboration is confrontational and critical toward the government. It shows a readiness to support the draft legislation of other opposition parties (e.g., Isamaa) if those bills are aimed at correcting the government's mistakes (the example being ESG reporting).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards national issues affecting the people and businesses of Estonia (data protection, competitiveness, timber harvesting). Attention is also given to European Union level regulations and their impact (a reference to Ursula and ESG reporting).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are aimed at reducing bureaucracy and the regulatory burden, standing in opposition to new logging requirements and mandatory ESG reporting obligations. He/She emphasizes Estonia's competitiveness and criticizes the government for previously imposing excessive reporting obligations on entrepreneurs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
He/She focuses heavily on civil rights and the protection of privacy against state surveillance. He/She fiercely opposes the creation of a super database and AI profiling, arguing that it strips citizens of the right to know what data is being collected about them and who is accessing it. He/She considers this threat far greater than the recent police camera scandal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing two significant bills: the Nature Conservation Act bill (due to bureaucracy) and a fast-tracked bill concerning the creation of a national super-database and profiling using artificial intelligence. He/She is acting as an opponent of the bills and calls on deputies to vote against them.
2 Speeches Analyzed