Session Profile: Rain Epler
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
2024-04-30
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on the government's broken promises and poor legislative practices. The most acute issues are the elimination of the income tax exemption for the average pension and the shifting of increased public sector costs onto the populace through fees and fines. The position is framed both in terms of moral values (keeping promises) and the failure of the government's actions. The speaker accuses the government of bankrupting the state and demands their resignation.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures, repeatedly referencing the Regulation on Good Law-making and Legislative Drafting (HÕNTE) and pointing out the absence of impact assessments. Furthermore, he possesses a detailed understanding of fiscal mechanisms, connecting public sector wage increases to the raising of state fees and fines. He criticizes the government's use of arbitrary comparison bases to justify policy, illustrating this ironically with historical facts.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply aggressive, polemical, and often ironic, utilizing sarcasm (e.g., the recommendation to abolish HÕNTE) and strong emotional appeals. He uses personal examples (his three sons) to emphasize the moral dimension of broken promises and accuses the government of "fleecing" the people. The speaker employs strong ideological terminology, referring to members of the coalition as "modern-day Reds."
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, submitting repeated questions and formal inquiries to several ministers over the course of a single day. He is persistent in demanding answers, and also draws attention to the procedural rules governing the session and the time limits for ministerial replies.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the ruling coalition (Reform Party, Social Democrats, Estonia 200), which is criticized both for violating legislative norms and for breaking socio-political promises. The criticism is intense and ideological, accusing the government of exploiting the weakest members of society and channeling funds into ideological projects. Compromise has been ruled out, with a motion submitted to reject the bill and demand the collective resignation of the government.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the EKRE parliamentary group, proposing that the draft legislation be rejected. Their style is confrontational, focusing primarily on opposing the government's actions. There are no indications of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation regarding the bills under discussion.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is minimal, limited to an ironic reference to the "evil people of Võru," which is immediately softened. The main emphasis is on national legislative and economic issues.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance is strongly fiscally critical, opposing the raising of taxes and levies that make life harder for families with children and pensioners. Public sector wage hikes are criticized as a cost-increasing factor that inevitably leads to higher fees, creating a vicious cycle. The government is accused of driving the nation's public finances into the worst state in history.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the focus is on opposing cuts to social protection, particularly concerning families with children and pensioners. Specific emphasis is placed on the abolition of the income tax exemption for the average old-age pension and the reduction of child benefits. These decisions are viewed as making life harder for the most vulnerable members of society.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing government bills concerning the raising of taxes and fees, as well as social commitments. Strict adherence to legislative drafting standards (HÕNTE) and the existence of impact assessments are being demanded. As a specific measure, a proposal was submitted on behalf of the EKRE parliamentary group to reject the bill regarding the income tax exemption for the average pension.
13 Speeches Analyzed