Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on resistance to the government's tax increases, especially the car tax, which is seen as a burden on rural residents and families with children. These views are deeply value-based, broadly opposing the ideological aims of the green transition, which are considered restrictive of private property and prosperity. Furthermore, the actions of the Riigikogu Board are criticized for limiting the rights of deputies and disregarding procedural rules.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in the operational procedures of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), particularly concerning the deadlines for processing interpellations and the preparation of the agenda. Specific numerical data is utilized to support economic arguments, including calculations for average wages and child benefits, while differentiating between the salary level in Võru County and the national average. Furthermore, knowledge regarding the impact of the proposed car tax on various societal groups and the ideological ramifications of the green transition is evident.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly critical, confrontational, and at times ironic, especially when addressing the Prime Minister, whose positions are deemed completely out of touch with reality. The speaker employs both logical arguments (such as numerical examples illustrating family livelihoods) and strong ideological appeals, comparing the green transition and its consequences to a "Hunger Games" scenario. It is repeatedly stressed that the government fails to grasp the actual impact of its policies.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Focuses on asking questions to the Prime Minister during the Riigikogu plenary sessions and raising procedural questions with the session chair. They are an active submitter of interpellations (referencing the interpellation sent on January 17) and react quickly to technical problems during the session (e.g., microphone operation).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the governing coalition and the prime minister, accusing them of implementing tax policies that make life difficult for rural residents and families. The Riigikogu board is also criticized for engaging in political retribution and restricting the rights of MPs when handling interpellations. Furthermore, the prime minister’s trustworthiness is being questioned regarding his explanations of political and media goals.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding cooperation is unavailable; the speeches delivered are aimed at criticizing the leadership of the government and the Riigikogu. The style is uncompromising, particularly in opposing ideological issues (the green transition, the car tax).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is directed toward rural areas and people living far from major centers, emphasizing the deterioration of their livelihoods due to government policies. Specific examples cited are the lower wage levels and inadequate public transport in Võrumaa, which makes the car tax especially burdensome.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly opposes tax hikes, especially the car tax, arguing that it burdens families and people living in rural areas. It advocates for increased prosperity and the protection of private property, criticizing policies associated with the green transition as generating poverty and imposing restrictions. It uses economic data (salaries, benefits) to demonstrate that child benefits fail to offset the overall tax burden.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on the economic well-being of families with children and population policy, specifically protecting large families from the tax burden. It emphasizes that government policies (such as school closures and the car tax) are worsening the lives of families with children in rural areas.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on opposing the car tax bill introduced by the government, which we view as harmful and ideologically flawed. Also under focus is the handling of the interpellation submitted to the Minister of Climate, as well as the procedural correctness of compiling the Riigikogu agenda.
8 Speeches Analyzed