Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.
2025-01-22
Political Position
The speaker is fiercely opposed to the government coalition's policies, particularly regarding tax hikes (dubbed the "tax rally") and the costs associated with the green transition, which he believes are driving the country into poverty. The political framing is heavily focused on economics and the cost of living, stressing the necessity of giving the economy "oxygen" and improving people's standard of living. The speaker criticizes the government's optimistic fiscal forecasts and directly connects the current economic hardships to issues of national security and emigration.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the fields of energy and tax policy, utilizing specific terminology such as "intermittent capacity," "grid tariffs," and "net metering." He supports his positions with international examples, referencing the VAT rates of other countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany) and the consequences of energy policies (Denmark, Germany, Canada's Ontario). The criticism is particularly strong regarding the 100% renewable energy target and the associated system costs.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly combative, critical, and at times sarcastic, particularly when describing the actions of the coalition partners (the Social Democrats). The speaker employs both emotional appeals (references to empty stomachs and patriotism) and logical arguments and statistics (inflation figures, the cost of living compared to Tokyo). The speaker is frank and uses strong language (e.g., "stupid spending," "it's getting ridiculous").
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is very active in the session hall, participating intensely in both Question Time and debates on draft legislation, repeatedly posing questions to rapporteurs and ministers. He/She also intervenes in procedural discussions (exercising the right to reply) and makes proposals for taking recesses.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who stand accused of stifling the economy and squandering public funds. The Social Democrats, in particular, face intense criticism for their hypocrisy, as they publicly oppose taxes on social media while consistently voting in favor alongside the coalition. The criticism is leveled on both political and ethical grounds.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to discussion, but cooperation with the coalition is adversarial. He calls on coalition members to support the opposition's initiatives (a reduction in VAT), stressing that this is necessary to help the people, and warns the Social Democrats against playing "the game."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker's focus is primarily on national economic problems (inflation, poverty). The regional aspect manifests itself in the discussion of unfair network fees, where he contrasts the potential consequences of Lasnamäe (due to its proximity to Iru) being exempted from these fees with the resulting impact on the residents of Võrumaa and Põlvamaa.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of tax cuts, particularly lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, arguing this will improve people's ability to cope financially and help ease inflation. He/She opposes tax hikes and large government expenditures (such as the 2 billion allocated for wind turbines), viewing them as foolish waste that ultimately strangles businesses. He/She believes that these tax reductions will actually reach consumers, provided the government closely monitors the activities of businesses.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to economic well-being. The speaker emphasizes that 20% of people live in relative poverty, and difficult living conditions are forcing people to leave Estonia, which is a direct security issue.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the bill he initiated to lower the VAT on foodstuffs, with the goal of improving people's livelihoods. He is also actively opposed to amendments to energy laws that support the rapid development of renewable energy, and promises to submit amendments to improve the draft legislation.
14 Speeches Analyzed