Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-14
Political Position
The political focus is on increasing transparency and establishing control over the expense accounts of state officials, particularly the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor General. The speaker strongly advocates for uniform transparency standards, criticizing the current situation where ministers and high-ranking officials are exempt from the requirement to submit detailed receipts, unlike members of the Riigikogu (Parliament). This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the necessity of public oversight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the regulation of expense reimbursements for high state officials (such as the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor General) and the control mechanisms employed by the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). Specific terms are used, such as "representation expenses," "expense reimbursements," and "receipts," emphasizing the need for detailed tables and invoice numbers to properly analyze the costs (e.g., wine, informational materials).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is direct and challenging, utilizing rhetorical questions to underscore the inequality of transparency standards. The government's stance is sharply criticized, labeled as "technocratic" and "pulled out of thin air." The speaker calls for a substantive debate, grounding the arguments in logical consistency and fairness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, utilizing the flexibility of the agenda to initiate longer, substantive discussions concerning the draft bill. Questions are being posed to colleagues regarding the content of the discussions held in the committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed against the government, whose resistance to greater transparency is viewed as technocratic and lacking substance. There is also opposition to the double standards that apply when auditing the expenses of Riigikogu members and high officials.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker addresses colleagues directly (specifically mentioning "Evelin, dear colleague"), seeking information regarding the committee discussions and urging them to share their personal understanding of the principles of transparency. This demonstrates a readiness for dialogue and a willingness to deepen the discussion within the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on supporting the transparency enhancement bill, which addresses the disclosure and oversight of expense reimbursements for the Prosecutor General and the Chancellor of Justice. The objective is to establish detailed reporting requirements similar to those imposed on members of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed