Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu's extraordinary session.
2024-07-22
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on performance-based criticism of the government (the decline in competitiveness, the poor budget). Emphasis is placed on the potential use of security issues as a cover to redirect funds toward meeting climate neutrality goals. The speaker is skeptical of the new coalition, viewing it as a continuation of the previous government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the field of fiscal policy and taxation, covering expenditures, revenues, and the budget deficit. Furthermore, they are familiar with specific state funding mechanisms, such as the Just Transition Fund, highlighting examples of their misuse. The issue of transparency regarding the structure of the security tax is addressed separately.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is polemical and intensely sarcastic, employing ironic acknowledgment aimed at the prime ministerial candidate ("It's something, at least. We'll proceed step by step."). Sharp comparisons are utilized (the PM candidate as "the new Kaja Kallas, just a man") and concrete examples (a dance festival funded by the Just Transition Fund) to express profound distrust.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of discourse is intense and focused on the extraordinary session, where repeated questions are being posed to the prime ministerial candidate. The pattern of activity indicates active participation in important debates and close scrutiny of the government's actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at both the previous and the new coalition, who are accused of violating the principles of democracy and the rule of law, as well as interpreting legislation inconsistently. The criticism is intense and stems from both the breaking of prior promises (the pension levy) and the government’s poor performance and lack of transparency regarding the use of public funds.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no evidence of willingness to cooperate or compromise; the speaker’s position is purely oppositional and questioning, focusing on calling into question the government's actions and intentions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, such as competitiveness, the status of the state budget, and security. A specific regional focus is lacking, although the Just Transition Fund is mentioned, which is broadly connected to Ida-Viru County, but it is used as an example of improper funding.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are fiscally skeptical, highlighting the risk of a budget deficit and the government's inability to use funds effectively. Particular criticism is directed at the structure of the security tax, with suspicions that it was created opaquely to prevent the traceability of expenditures. Concerns are raised that the money is being spent "everywhere" without clear targeting.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There are no social issues, apart from a reference to the previous coalition's broken promise to keep the average pension tax-free.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward the integrity of the rule of law principles and the fidelity of legal interpretation, while criticizing the coalition for its abuse of democracy. Separate emphasis is placed on the concern regarding the prime ministerial candidate's assumption of a five-year mandate, which contradicts the parliamentary election cycle.
3 Speeches Analyzed