Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-15
Political Position
The speakers are expressing strong opposition to the government’s actions, focusing on its inability to solve the demographic crisis, the decline in economic competitiveness, and ongoing energy security issues. Criticism is also directed at the government’s lack of transparency (specifically the silence surrounding the Slava Ukraini case) and the prime minister’s dishonesty regarding campaign promises. The political position is strongly results-driven and critical.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate detailed knowledge in the fields of demography and economics, using specific comparative data (birth rates, GDP, and labor productivity compared to Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland). They also show knowledge of energy policy (the requirement to maintain 1000 MW of dispatchable capacity) and national defense topics (the creation of capability gaps when donating weaponry).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is often confrontational, critical, and ironic, using, for example, the word "vuristamine" (rattling off/babbling) to describe the prime minister's answers, and referring to Ansip as a "soda machine." Both logical arguments and statistics are employed, alongside emotional appeals (concern for the nation's mental health and the country's location on the Russian border). The tone is accusatory toward the government and expresses urgency regarding national crises.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speakers are active during plenary sessions, submitting significant interpellations (responses to which have been delayed for eight months or since September) and utilizing the question period to sharply criticize the government’s activities. Procedural issues are also noted concerning the session chair’s handling of order maintenance.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is the Prime Minister and the government, who face criticism both for their political choices (immigration, economic recession, risks to defense capability) and for procedural and personal issues (unreliability, emotionless responses, and favoring party colleagues in the chamber). The intensity of the criticism is high, and the government's competence to lead the country is being called into question.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is demonstrated with colleagues when submitting interpellations ("with colleagues," "Tõnis and Jaak"), suggesting forms of collaboration within factions or the opposition. Communication with the government is characterized by a predominantly confrontational style, and no willingness to compromise is expressed.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national crises (demographics, the economy, security). Specific regions mentioned include Tallinn and Ida-Virumaa, discussed in the context of the teacher shortage, and Haapsalu, cited as an example of railway infrastructure.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A critical stance on the decline in economic indicators, emphasizing the reduction in GDP and labor productivity compared to our immediate neighbors. Concerns are voiced over the rising electricity prices and energy security. The economic recession is linked to high immigration levels and the government's unsuccessful policy.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong concern over the catastrophic drop in the birth rate and criticism directed at liberal immigration policies, which are seen as having led to a "dead end" (citing the examples of Sweden and Germany). The discussion also covers issues related to education (teacher shortages) and internal security (the regulation of e-cigarettes, the black market).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on government accountability and transparency, particularly concerning investigations of public interest (such as prioritizing the inquiry into the Slava Ukraini case) and addressing the demographic crisis. Furthermore, regulatory matters (like the sales regulations for e-cigarettes) and procedural issues within the Riigikogu chamber are being handled.
13 Speeches Analyzed