Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-04-16
Political Position
The speaker expresses strong opposition to government intervention in the energy market (specifically, regulating the universal service), labeling it "socialist-style governance." The political focus is directed towards ensuring national trust and security, particularly concerning standards for e-elections and identity verification, demanding a more consistent and stricter approach. He also sharply criticizes the Reform Party's internal processes and their choice of lead candidate for the European Parliament elections, citing their positions regarding Russia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in legislative procedures, referencing specific sections of draft legislation (ELTS, MGS) and utilizing tables of comments and proposals. He/She also demonstrates knowledge of technical solutions for identity verification (video bridge, facial recognition) and the electoral service's previous positions regarding the security of e-voting.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a critical and occasionally sarcastic rhetorical style, utilizing irony (for instance, colleague Ligi’s sincere belief in the weight of his vote). He/She uses logical analogies (notary, the election of the Riigikogu board, pension certification) to underscore the state's inconsistent standards, and bolsters his/her arguments with extensive quotations drawn from the feedback provided by interest groups (Eesti Energia, the Estonian Gas Association).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the session, presenting on multiple draft bills and repeatedly requesting additional time, which indicates a desire to address the topics thoroughly. They are attentive to the speeches of other colleagues, later inquiring about their content.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government and the Reform Party, accusing them of disproportionate market intervention and using unreliable election methods. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural, particularly concerning the ignoring of expert opinions during the legislative process. He labels the Reform Party's frontrunner a "Putinist," which constitutes an intense personalized attack stemming from foreign policy stances.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker does not point to direct cooperation with other Riigikogu factions. Instead, he positions himself as the advocate for the views of interest groups ignored by the government (Eesti Energia, Estonian Gas Association). A willingness to compromise is not evident; rather, the emphasis is placed on the necessity of correcting the government’s mistakes.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker’s focus is on national topics (Estonian e-elections, the energy market, the state’s credibility) and international comparisons (Greek pensions, electoral methods in European countries, visa-free travel for Russia). There is no specific local or regional focus present in the speeches.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is critical of state regulation and intervention in the energy market, lending support to major energy companies (Eesti Energia) in their opposition to market redistribution. They object to mandatory and retroactive measures (specifically, the imposition and subsequent removal of the universal service), favoring market-based solutions and stability instead.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on issues of state trust and security, particularly in the context of identity verification, citing the example of proving that pensioners are alive. He emphasizes that election methods which a large portion of society distrusts undermine confidence in the state.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is actively opposed to the amendments to the Energy Market Act (the universal service provision) and supports the draft legislation concerning the identification of return certificate applicants via video link. His/Her primary priority is amending the e-elections law to incorporate identity verification via video link as a means of mitigating security risks.
6 Speeches Analyzed