Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
2024-03-20
Political Position
The speaker strongly emphasizes the very essence of the Estonian state, which is the preservation of national culture, language, and culture in a wider sense. He expresses strong opposition to the government’s economic policy and the climate minister’s energy plans, which he believes will lead to Estonia’s impoverishment. Additionally, he champions the freedom of parliamentary debate and the right of deputies to ask questions, criticizing the interference of the session chair.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed technical knowledge in the energy sector, addressing the costs associated with grid connections for offshore and onshore wind farms (360 million euros) and the construction of the fourth Estonia-Latvia interconnection. He/She is familiar with the financing plans of the system operator (Elering) and the European regulatory framework governing the use of bottleneck fees (congestion charges). The speaker specifically references answers given during Riigikogu committee sessions and the names of officials (Kasemets, Vaks).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is direct, critical, and occasionally confrontational, especially when accusing officials of lying and withholding information in Parliamentary committees. He employs strong language (e.g., "that pontification was inappropriate") and relies on logical arguments, contrasting officials' previous answers with plans that were later made public. While the initial address to the Minister of Culture is polite, the questions themselves are framed within a critical economic context.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the information session, posing detailed questions to both the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Climate. His/her pattern of activity involves prior detailed work within the special committees of the Riigikogu (specifically, the State Budget Control Special Committee), where he/she has gathered specific information from officials, which he/she subsequently verifies publicly.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the Chancellor and a department head at the Ministry of Climate, who are accused of lying to members of the Riigikogu and concealing funding information. Furthermore, he/she sharply criticizes the session chair for inappropriately intervening in and controlling the parliamentary debate. He/She is strongly opposed to the government’s economic and energy policies, which are impoverishing the country.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates solidarity with other members of the Riigikogu (colleagues Aller and Solman) by defending their right to ask questions against criticism from the presiding officer. This shows a willingness to support colleagues on procedural matters.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed at the national level (the nature of the Estonian state, the economy) and international energy interconnections (the fourth Estonia-Latvia connection). He highlights the locations of bottlenecks in Estonia, noting that the concern lies in the north, but investments are being planned for the south.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is concerned about the state budget shrinking and criticizes the government's policies that are making Estonia poor. He advocates for fiscal discipline and criticizes the inefficient use of the congestion fee, arguing that it should be spent on eliminating bottlenecks in Northern Estonia in order to lower electricity prices.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker considers the preservation of culture, language, and folk culture (including the Song and Dance Festival) to be the foundation for the existence of the Estonian state and its most crucial objective. He/She refers to culture as "soft values," which governments often tend to target or cut during times of economic hardship.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's focus is on scrutinizing the actions of the government and officials and ensuring transparency, particularly regarding the financing of major infrastructure projects. He/She is utilizing the Riigikogu's information session to expose the alleged lack of integrity among officials and pressure the government into disclosing the funding plans.
4 Speeches Analyzed