Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-10-23
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-driven and confrontational, centered on revoking the voting rights of citizens of the aggressor state and opposing the so-called woke agenda. The speaker accuses the government of being pro-Russian and promoting a Putinist narrative concerning historical monuments and symbols. There is also sharp criticism directed at the unethical and impolite behavior of ministers within the Riigikogu chamber, indicating a focus both on core values and on criticizing the government’s conduct and moral standing.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu and technical issues (transcripts, control panels/desks). The analysis is particularly thorough concerning the definitions of international law and social gender (gender vs sex), citing the explanations provided by the Council of Europe. Furthermore, the speaker is up to date with foreign policy events (the UN leader’s visit to Russia) and local environmental projects (bog restoration).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is highly combative, direct, and accusatory, employing sharp phrases such as "Putinistic narrative" and "the red, eastward-looking face." The speaker frequently relies on quoting transcripts and raising procedural questions, but also incorporates personal and regional anecdotes (bog restoration) and vivid figurative expressions (Pandora's Box) to illustrate political and social dangers.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is very active in the plenary session, participating in several debates (security, budget, social issues) and submitting both substantive questions and procedural complaints to the session chair. Their operational pattern involves a detailed analysis of previous debates and transcripts, which is then used to accuse opponents.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the government coalition and specific ministers who stand accused of pro-Russian sentiment, unethical conduct, and incivility, particularly toward their female colleagues. The criticism is intense, encompassing both political attacks (voting rights, the woke agenda) and personal and procedural attacks. Furthermore, the speaker criticizes the session's presiding officer for potential bias in the allocation of speaking times.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is conditional and demanding; the speaker demands that coalition partners agree to disenfranchise the citizens of the aggressor state. There are no references to broad-based cooperation or the search for compromise; instead, the political and moral responsibility of the opponents is emphasized.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is highlighted by mentioning Viljandi and the speaker's home region. A local bog restoration project is cited as an example of how social issues (specifically, social gender) are permeating both science and rural life. The speaker uses these local examples to make complex international topics more accessible to an Estonian audience.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are confined to procedural criticism regarding state budget management, specifically questioning the ministers' sweeping power to reallocate figures. Furthermore, the local bog restoration project is being criticized as a potential waste or outright theft of state and European funds. There is no broader stance on taxes, trade, or economic growth.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the speaker is a staunch opponent of the so-called woke agenda and the codification of the concept of social gender through an international convention. The speaker fears that the spectrum of social gender is unlimited, which would open "Pandora’s box" and make protection against harassment difficult. Support is also voiced for Donald Trump as a force that will begin dismantling the woke agenda.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards stripping voting rights from citizens of the aggressor state and opposing the ratification of an international convention concerning social gender. Additionally, the necessity of improving technical conditions within the Riigikogu (Parliament) is emphasized to ensure the accuracy of transcripts and video recordings.
13 Speeches Analyzed