Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
2024-09-24
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to unreasonable administrative burdens and excessive flexibility concerning pension inheritance matters. Furthermore, the speaker sharply criticizes the government's actions, which may appear hostile toward entrepreneurs (citing accusations of tax fraud), and demands complete transparency in the introduction of draft legislation, accusing the minister of concealing crucial amendments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep technical expertise in the field of financial and tax legislation, accurately citing provisions of the Value Added Tax Act and referencing specific rules concerning the deduction of input VAT. In their argumentation, they utilize data from the Pension Centre regarding administrative burden and the actual wishes of the public, emphasizing the detailed impact of the proposed legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly confrontational, demanding, and procedurally sharp. The speaker poses pointed questions, accusing the minister of concealment and offensive behavior, and submits an official protest to the session chair for violating order. Both logical argumentation (the demand for data) and personal insinuations (the minister's age and memory) are employed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active questioner during the plenary session, posing multiple questions and follow-up questions concerning two important draft bills within a short period. This pattern of activity also involves the use of procedural rights, specifically by lodging a protest against the actions of the presiding officer.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is directed at the minister and the ministry, criticizing the lack of transparency and the dishonest presentation of their draft legislation. The criticism is intense, accusing the minister of concealing significant changes and negatively branding tax-compliant entrepreneurs. The opposition is also extended to the chair of the session, who, in the speaker's assessment, failed to maintain order.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information is lacking. The speaker interacts with the other parties (the minister, the rapporteur, the session chair) primarily from a position of offering criticism and posing questions; there are no indications of cooperation or the seeking of compromises.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Information is scarce. The topics under discussion (the pension system, the Value Added Tax Act) are inherently national issues.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives emphasize tax compliance and a business-friendly environment. The speaker is critical of the assumption that tax fraud is widespread in Estonia and questions significant changes to input VAT deduction that affect entrepreneurs and real estate developers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Information is limited. All the topics covered are related to financial and tax legislation (pensions, VAT).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, particularly concerning the VAT exemption for real estate and the rules governing input VAT deduction, as well as draft legislation related to the flexibility of pension inheritance. The speaker acts as a critical scrutinizer of the content and procedural handling of these bills, demanding justifications and statistical data.
5 Speeches Analyzed