Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The speaker is a prominent opposition politician who criticizes the government's direction in both social and energy policy. He opposes excessive state intervention in the lives of children and the growth of bureaucracy in the social sector. Furthermore, he advocates for a common-sense energy policy, supporting nuclear power while opposing subsidized wind and solar energy. His positions are strongly rooted in values (family rights versus state rights) and policy considerations (energy cost-effectiveness).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of energy policy, utilizing technical terminology (energy return, CFD, dispatchable capacity) and presenting specific ratios regarding the cost-effectiveness of various energy sources. In the social sphere, they rely on international social psychologists (Jonathan Haidt) and global examples (USA, Florida) concerning the topic of child protection. They are highly detail-oriented, criticizing specific legal statutes and procedural norms.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is analytical, critical, and at times combative, especially during energy debates. He/She uses logical arguments and data (profitability ratios) but does not shy away from sharp retorts, for example, accusing a colleague of being unable to answer questions. He/She employs rhetorical questions and parallels to highlight the illogical nature and hypocrisy of opponents' positions.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was very active during the plenary session, posing questions to the minister and the rapporteurs, and delivering speeches on behalf of the faction on two important topics (child protection and nuclear energy). They were forced to unexpectedly replace a colleague, which indicates flexibility and a clear readiness to intervene in the debate. They participated in both the question-and-answer session and the longer presentations.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker leveled sharp criticism against the government coalition, accusing it of ignoring the decision to improve political culture and selectively adhering to procedural norms. The criticism is particularly harsh toward the Social Democrats, who are accused of serving the interests of lobby groups and engaging in hypocrisy (opposing nuclear subsidies while simultaneously supporting the subsidization of wind farms). He/She also criticized policies that lead to the "nationalization of children" and the expansion of bureaucracy.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the views of their faction (EKRE), proposing that the draft legislation be rejected and consulting with colleagues regarding the controversial aspects of the bill. In the energy debate, they seek to establish cross-party cooperation, representing "all members of the Riigikogu who favor a common-sense energy policy."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker's focus is both national and international, drawing comparisons using examples from the USA, Florida, and Scandinavia concerning child protection and energy policy. He/She stresses the importance of utilizing Estonia's own resource, oil shale, given the current geopolitical situation, while opposing its replacement with natural gas.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a staunch advocate for the market economy and fiscal discipline, opposing state subsidies, particularly for renewable energy, which he views as "squandering billions." He stresses energy cost-effectiveness and the necessity of high-quality, dispatchable power (nuclear energy) to attract energy-intensive industry to Estonia. He expresses concern regarding ownership issues and the long-term environmental costs of subsidized projects.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on the themes of child protection and the role of the family, cautioning against over-protecting children in real life while under-protecting them in the virtual world. They are critical of expanding the rights of local government employees when it comes to processing personal data, viewing this as an increase in bureaucracy and state intervention. However, they support the government’s efforts to restrict children’s access to violent and pornographic content.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's primary legislative focus is the rejection of the social sector bill (specifically, child protection) and supporting the introduction of nuclear energy through a Riigikogu decision. He is opposed to bills that increase bureaucracy and state control, and he supports proposals that advance common-sense energy policy. He criticizes the government for fast-tracking important legislation.
9 Speeches Analyzed