Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-22
Political Position
The political platform centers on strong support for introducing an extraordinary bank levy, viewing it as a crucial mechanism for balancing the budget and steering banking behavior. The speaker is critical of the government's performance, especially concerning the influence of major business interests (i.e., banks) on political decision-making. Furthermore, the platform expresses opposition to excessive regulation (such as mandatory ESG reporting), which undermines the competitiveness of both Estonia and Europe.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in financial matters, explaining the pass-through of the Euribor increase to loans and deposits, and detailing the mechanisms by which banks generate extraordinary profits. Technical terminology is employed, and reference is made to specific regulatory requirements (ESG reporting). Furthermore, the situation is compared using the example of the Lithuanian bank tax. The legal background for the expansion of customs powers is also addressed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and accusatory, utilizing illustrative examples (such as the bankers' visit to Stenbock House) to underscore the agreement between the government and the banks. Strong terminology, such as "demagogy" and "the deal was done," is employed, and the integrity of both experts and politicians is called into question. When posing questions, there is a clear intent to broaden the scope of the discussion rather than being confined to narrow answers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during plenary sessions, posing questions to ministers and offering detailed arguments regarding proposed legislation. Reference is made to previous legislative activity, such as the submission of the bank tax bill 'last summer'.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition (including former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Minister Jürgen Ligi) and the banking sector. Criticism is aimed both at political decisions (specifically, avoiding the bank tax) and ethical issues (the influence bankers hold over the government and the bias shown by experts). The coalition's stance on the bank tax is being directly labeled as demagoguery.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker pointed to cooperation with other factions, expressing satisfaction with the Center Party’s support for the bank tax bill and noting that the Social Democrats had also initially supported the idea. This demonstrates a willingness to consolidate support for specific economic policy initiatives within the opposition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national level (Estonian economy, banking, and competitiveness) and European Union regulations (ESG requirements). The Lithuanian example is used as a model for introducing a bank tax, and reference is made to the shift in tone among US banks regarding ESG.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports taxing windfall profits in the banking sector to influence bank behavior and ensure a fair distribution of returns to depositors. It is critical of excessive regulation (such as mandatory ESG reporting), which damages the competitiveness of Estonia and Europe, preferring a more flexible approach. Skeptical of experts who are "on someone's payroll" (e.g., on a bank’s payroll).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the enactment of the emergency bank tax bill, which the parliamentary group submitted previously with the aim of influencing the banks' approach through legislation. Also in focus is the expansion of customs powers and its connection to previous political scandals, as well as European Union regulatory requirements (ESG reporting).
4 Speeches Analyzed