Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-11-11
Political Position
The most prominent topics are the restoration of the cap on land tax increases and the termination of state funding for elective abortions. The speaker is fiercely opposed to the government's tax policy, accusing the coalition of deceit and claiming Estonia is being governed by "Reds" who are harming citizens who are already struggling. The political framework is strongly value-based (honesty, protection of citizens) and focused on criticizing the government's actions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates good knowledge of healthcare system financing (the Health Insurance Fund, indicators concerning elective abortions) and the legislation related to land valuation and land tax. He/She uses specific data (3,400 elective abortions, maximum subsidy amounts) and technical terms (effective tax increase, fiscal autonomy) to support his/her arguments. The analysis of the land tax’s impact on agriculture and forcing real estate into circulation is particularly thorough.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker adopts a style that is overwhelmingly combative, critical, and passionate, particularly when tackling issues of political integrity and the economy. They employ powerful emotional appeals, citing, for instance, the plight of the "Nõmme granny" and the hardships faced by families, while balancing this with references to specific legislative amendments and statistical data. Sharp phrases, such as "lying politicians" and "smoke and mirrors," are utilized to discredit their opponents.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity pattern is entirely focused on participation in the Riigikogu plenary session, involving asking questions of rapporteurs and responding to colleagues' statements. The activity is intensive and reactive, touching upon several agenda items (abortion, land tax). External events, meetings, or travel are not mentioned in the speeches.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition and specific ministers/colleagues (Jaak Aab, Urmas, Lomp), who are being criticized for political dishonesty and lack of integrity. The criticism is twofold: both personal (concerning the trustworthiness of the politicians) and political (focusing on tax hikes and the deficiencies of the social welfare reform). There is no apparent willingness to compromise; instead, the demand is for a change in policy and the reintroduction of restrictions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker’s style is rather confrontational and interrogative; they focus on highlighting disagreements and challenging opponents’ viewpoints. The reference to previous cooperation (with Jaak Aab in government) is negative, emphasizing Aab’s subsequent change of stance. Openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation is not reflected in the speeches.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national legislative amendments (land tax, Health Insurance Fund financing), but regional examples are highlighted to illustrate their impact. Specific target groups are mentioned, such as the "Nõmme granny" and the "agricultural entrepreneur in a rural area," emphasizing the financial situation of Local Authorities (KOVs) and their limited fiscal autonomy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, especially those targeting struggling families and property-based taxes (land tax). They criticize the government's policy, which increases the costs for local municipalities (KOV) while simultaneously forcing real estate "into circulation" through high taxation, a measure particularly detrimental to farmers. The speaker attributes the rise in land prices to money printing and subsidies for renewable energy development, maintaining skepticism regarding the green transition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, the speaker focuses on ending state funding for elective abortions, stressing that the state should not cover the cost of procedures undertaken by personal choice. This is framed as an issue of state funding rather than a question of banning abortion outright. Additionally, emphasis is placed on protecting families with children and the elderly from tax increases (VAT, income tax benefits, land tax).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
His main legislative priority is restoring the cap on land tax increases following the land valuation, a bill he strongly supports. He also backs the bill that would end the funding of elective abortions through the Health Insurance Fund budget. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the coalition's tax legislation and a proponent of alternative bills.
6 Speeches Analyzed