Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-03-04
Political Position
The political focus centers on sharp criticism of the government's economic policy and opposition to tax hikes. The speaker strongly supports the temporary bank tax proposed by EKRE on extraordinary profits, viewing it as a necessary measure during these difficult times. Simultaneously, there is opposition to new taxes that disproportionately affect families with children and rural residents, such as the proposed car tax and the elimination of the income tax exemption. The political framework is heavily performance-driven, highlighting the government's failure to manage the current economic hardships.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge in the fields of banking and taxation, particularly concerning the concept of the extraordinary bank tax, drawing comparisons with banking practices in Lithuania and Sweden. Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge of Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) procedures, highlighting the necessity of both good acoustics and remaining focused on the topic. Economic arguments are substantiated with references to the dynamics of interest rate levels and deposit interest rates.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and confrontational, accusing the government of demagoguery and merely relaying the banks' PR talking points. Emotional expressions are utilized (e.g., "cognitive dissonance," "ugly and embarrassing to watch"), alongside simplified analogies (e.g., the fuel business) to explain economic phenomena. The overall tone is one of concern and inquiry, casting doubt on the prime minister's optimistic narrative.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, frequently posing questions to the Prime Minister and ministers regarding the economy and taxation. He points to regular interaction with the public and businesses, as well as media monitoring, in order to contrast the government's rhetoric with real life. It is noted that the Prime Minister emphasizes the difficulties "every week."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition target is the ruling coalition and the prime minister, who face fierce criticism over political decisions (such as abandoning the bank tax and implementing new tax hikes) and ethical concerns (like the influence wielded by bank executives). The criticism is intense, accusing the government of strangling the Estonian economy and dipping into the pockets of families with children. While answers are expected, the government representative's responses are sometimes viewed as a deliberate refusal to engage with provocation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Regarding cooperation, reference is made to a past success where one former coalition party showed a positive attitude toward EKRE's bank tax proposal, though the idea ultimately failed to materialize. In the current context, however, there is no mention of active collaboration; the focus is solely on criticizing the government's decisions. Government representatives are specifically required to stick to the topic and maintain proper decorum.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on the residents of rural areas, who are unfairly affected by the government’s plans, particularly the car tax. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of owning multiple cars to manage children’s logistics when living far from major centers. The topic of abolishing the land tax exemption is also mentioned, which directly concerns local municipalities and landowners.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It favors taxing extraordinary profits (a bank tax) to fill the state coffers, opposing tax hikes that burden families and businesses. It expresses concern that regulations and tax increases are strangling Estonian entrepreneurship. The overall stance is rather fiscally conservative, preferring that the money goes into the profits of Estonian companies rather than into the hands of the government.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed towards the economic protection of families with children, opposing the abolition of the income tax exemption and highlighting the impact of the car tax on large families in rural areas. It is being emphasized that the government is essentially targeting the wallets of families with children. The issue of taxing motorsports athletes is also mentioned, referencing potential disagreements between the Social Democrats and the Reform Party regarding the progressive income tax.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the bank tax bill introduced by EKRE in May, which aimed to tax banks' extraordinary profits. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative and opposes the government's planned tax hikes, including the elimination of the land tax exemption and the proposed car tax. Questions are also being raised regarding the plans for a progressive income tax.
9 Speeches Analyzed