Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-09
Political Position
The primary focus is on the trustworthiness and transparency of e-elections, expressing strong opposition to the current system and the legislative framework defending it. The political stance is value-based, emphasizing that the democratic system must be comprehensible even to citizens without specialized education. They also criticize setting convenience as the primary goal of democratic processes, pointing out that this has resulted in the coalition's failure to adhere to the laws.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the principles of electoral systems, highlighting the simplicity of the paper system in guaranteeing anonymity and ballot counting. He stresses that the e-voting system is overly complex and requires specialized knowledge, contrasting this with universal understanding. He is also aware of the legislative framework, which, in his estimation, prevents the serious consideration of e-voting issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical and concerned, employing strong emotional language (for instance, describing the legislative framework as "sounding quite appalling"). The speaker utilizes logical argumentation and philosophical questions, such as the discussion surrounding the nature of democracy and the paradox of convenience. They also use comparisons (e.g., the narrative illustrating the importance of free speech) and attempt to shift the focus from the technical discussion to questions of trust and clarity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two speeches delivered during a single session day (09.05.2024) at the Riigikogu plenary sitting, which indicates active participation in the ongoing discussion. There is no information available regarding the frequency of appearances, meetings, or travel.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled against the defenders of the governing coalition and the e-voting system. The criticism targets both the political dimension (the prioritization of convenience) and the procedural level (the coalition is failing to adhere to the law). There is also mention of a "competing coalition party" which may bring in experts to confirm the system's validity, thereby highlighting the existing confrontation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no direct references to cooperation or willingness to compromise, as the speeches are focused on expressing dissent. The speaker refers to those who asked questions previously, indicating a certain shared concern with other members of the opposition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national topics, specifically the trustworthiness of the electoral system and the operational structure of the Riigikogu. Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes equal access and comprehension of democratic processes for all citizens, linking these to social inclusion and justice. He/She criticizes a system that demands specialized education, thereby highlighting inequality. The defense of democracy's slowness and inconvenience is connected to guaranteeing broader societal standards of comfort.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on the regulatory framework governing the e-voting system. The speaker is a strong opponent of this framework, arguing that it "protects" existing problems from being addressed. He/She supports making the system simpler and more reliable, suggesting a willingness to initiate or back relevant amendments.
2 Speeches Analyzed