Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-22
Political Position
The political position is strongly conservative and anti-government. The main themes are opposition to the liberal, globalist "woke agenda" and the "green frenzy" (or radical green shift), both of which are viewed as destructive to Estonia's well-being. There are calls to return to normalcy and conservative values, with the current administration being labeled the worst government in Estonia's history. Criticism of the government is strongly value-based and performance-driven.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates extensive knowledge of international news, energy policy, and technological developments. Utilizes specific terminology and examples (carbon border tax, copper deficit, molten salt reactor, aerogels, Neuralink), presenting them in a regular review format. Emphasizes the positive role of science and technology in improving people's lives, contrasting this with ideological green projects.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is combative, critical, and forceful, utilizing strong ideological terminology such as "green frenzy" (or "eco-hysteria") and "craving for totalitarianism." It relies on international news and real-life examples to bolster its conservative and anti-government message. It maintains formal language usage but incorporates emotional appeals directed at voters.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
A characteristic feature is the regular appearance at open mic events, where a "traditional overview" of world news that does not make it into the Estonian media is presented. This pattern points to a desire to offer an alternative narrative and keep voters informed about international developments. Participation in the European Union Affairs Committee is also mentioned.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is extremely intense and is directed at the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Eesti 200, who are accused of causing a crisis of democracy and moving towards totalitarianism. Criticism targets both the government's actions and ethical issues (lying, labeling critics as enemies). Compromise is ruled out, with calls for voters not to elect representatives of the governing parties.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of interaction is predominantly confrontational, focusing primarily on criticizing the government and its coalition partners. A rare commendation was noted for the social democrat regarding the Võro language issue, but other conservative forces were sharply criticized for their ideological uncertainty concerning matters of the green transition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on international topics (the energy policies of the US, UK, China, and Germany) and the national level (government criticism and border control). Regional focus is minimal, with the exception of a brief reference to Võro matters and the mention of local elections.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to the green transition, arguing that it destroys industry and competitiveness (citing the decline of Germany and the United Kingdom). It supports broad-based energy development (nuclear, hydro, coal), following the example of China, to ensure the sustainability of industry and the welfare state. The failure of the electric vehicle market (the closure of the Ford factory) is welcomed as a sign that misguided policies are fading away.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong opposition to illegal immigration, highlighting examples from the United Kingdom regarding radicalized immigrants and government repression. Defends freedom of speech and criticizes government attempts to punish people for reading inappropriate information, seeing this as a movement toward the totalitarianism described by Orwell. Supports conservative values and a return to normalcy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on criticizing the actions of the government and the leadership of the Riigikogu (Parliament). The primary concerns cited are the failure to close the land border with Russia and the opposition to legislative drafts that restrict freedom of speech or penalize individuals based on their reading preferences (referencing the Taro bill). It also strongly criticizes the attempts by the Speaker of the Riigikogu to limit the rights of Parliament members.
5 Speeches Analyzed