Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-20
Political Position
The political platform involves strong opposition to the government’s economic and social policies, especially tax increases and cuts to family benefits. The paramount priority is seen as the need to return to "normality," opposing the ideas of "radical liberals" and the "woke world." The policy is framed both in terms of values and results, citing deteriorating statistics. The speaker promises to reverse the detrimental actions taken by the government at the earliest opportunity.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of social statistics, claiming that results have deteriorated, as well as details of economic policy (VAT, excise duties, car tax). They are also familiar with international developments, referencing the charter of the International Labour Organization and American political trends. This knowledge is primarily utilized to prove the ineffectiveness and detrimental nature of the government's policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, accusing ministers of self-deception and dishonesty, and of living in a "fantasy world." Strong moral and emotional appeals are utilized (focusing on normality and stress levels), combining them with references to dry statistics and tax hikes. The concluding tone is urgent, calling for the immediate collapse of the "woke world" and the restoration of normality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, participating in interpellations and responding to ministers' answers. He/She refers to his/her previous work, noting that the Prime Minister has started reading his/her writings and listening to what is said in the chamber, which indicates long-term and consistent political activity. All the speeches presented are from the same session day, focusing on the topics of the Minister of Social and Economic Affairs.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the ruling coalition and the Reform Party, who stand accused of poor governance and deceiving voters regarding tax hikes. The criticism is intense, focusing on the government's failed economic and energy policies, as well as the distortion of social values. They show no willingness to compromise, promising instead to overturn the decisions made by the current government.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker strongly endorses the issues raised by colleagues and speaks on behalf of the opposition, citing a shared understanding regarding the detrimental nature of the government’s policies. No willingness to cooperate with the government is expressed; rather, emphasis is placed on the necessity of a complete reversal of the current policy. He/She notes that even members of the ruling party are criticizing the government’s actions, effectively playing the role of an internal opposition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at supporting rural areas and families living outside major population centers. The car tax, which disproportionately affects these regions, is facing particular criticism, alongside expressed concerns regarding the closure of rural schools. This highlights worries about the deepening of regional inequality.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, criticizing the "tax frenzy" which includes hikes in car tax, income tax, VAT, and excise duties. The necessity of leaving more money in people's pockets is emphasized, and the government is blamed for causing inflation through flawed energy and economic policies. They support restoring the income tax exemption for families with children.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social issues, the speaker is a staunch proponent of traditional values, stressing the roles of mother and father and the importance of the traditional family unit. He is sharply critical of the "woke world" and gender-neutral language (such as "parent 1 and parent 2"), arguing that it distorts people's perception and increases stress levels. He believes this liberal environment is detrimental to the birth rate and calls for the restoration of normalcy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at reversing the changes made to current tax laws and family benefits. The primary objective is to annul the detrimental measures implemented by the government (tax hikes, benefit cuts) and restore normalcy. He also refers to supporting the abandonment of Green Transition initiatives.
4 Speeches Analyzed