Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy and fiscal management, particularly concerning the proposed car tax and general tax hikes. The criticism targets the government's untrustworthiness and its failure to uphold election promises, making this position primarily results-oriented and values-driven. The speaker stresses that EKRE has exhausted every avenue, both procedurally and politically, to prevent the car tax from being implemented.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in national financial policy, the tax system (VAT, motor vehicle tax, income tax relief for dependent children), and budget history. They are able to present complex calculations concerning the holistic impact of tax policy on families with children, synthesizing the combined effect of various tax hikes and reductions in benefits. Furthermore, they possess knowledge regarding the energy sector (subsidies for wind and solar energy) and the financing of the Rail Baltic projects.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, accusatory, and sharp, employing strong expressions such as "you lied" and "despicable." Rhetorical questions and metaphors are used to create emotional impact (e.g., throwing money to the wind, taking poison). The style is formal, yet it includes sharp personal attacks and procedural protests directed at the presiding officer.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the plenary session, repeatedly raising questions and procedural objections, and immediately responding to the positions of both colleagues (Reinsalu) and the rapporteur (Akkermann). This pattern demonstrates a focus on the debate surrounding a specific draft bill (the motor vehicle tax) and the criticism of the government's related actions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, and former Finance Minister Annely Akkermann. The criticism is intense, focusing on political dishonesty (lying to voters), budget management, and the violation of procedural norms regarding the bill. No willingness to compromise is being shown; instead, they are calling on coalition members of parliament to scrap the bill entirely.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the EKRE faction’s unified and clear opposition to the car tax. While the tone toward the coalition remains confrontational, he commended one coalition representative from Võrumaa who had dared to "crawl out of the hole," noting how rarely praise is directed at the opposing side.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at rural residents, stressing that the car tax will hit them the hardest, as they often require larger vehicles and frequently own two cars. This emphasis directly connects tax policy with the way of life in rural regions. A colleague from Võrumaa is mentioned and acknowledged.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes (VAT, car tax) and cuts to family benefits, arguing that these measures disproportionately affect the poorest segments of society and families with children. They criticize the government's financial squandering (subsidies for wind and solar energy, Rail Baltic) and advocate for considering the taxation of banks' massive profits as an alternative revenue stream. They favor a fiscal policy that genuinely considers the real-life situations of families and businesses.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues currently are supporting families with children and the deterioration of their financial situation due to tax increases and cuts in benefits. There is strong opposition directed at excessive state intervention and the monitoring of citizens, criticizing the concept of the "personal state," where tax officials track personal purchases.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the proposed car tax bill and demanding its rejection. Significant emphasis is also placed on the correct adherence to legislative procedural rules, concerning the violation of which a comprehensive procedural protest was filed.
6 Speeches Analyzed