Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-16
Political Position
The speaker adopts a fiercely oppositional stance on the car tax proposed by the government, labeling it a hastily assembled "botch job" and a blatant attempt to fleece the public. The political focus centers on criticizing the government’s incompetence and rush, as well as raising questions about the credibility of institutions and the conduct of ministers. Furthermore, the contradiction between the government's rhetoric of desiring cooperation and its actual behavior is highlighted.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the actual substance of the amendment to the Waste Act (the motor vehicle tax adjustment) and its economic impact, particularly concerning the fee for deletion from the register (800 euros). They are also familiar with legislative procedures and refer to the assessments of the Riigikogu's Legal and Analysis Department regarding the constitutionality of the draft legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly critical, combative, and direct, employing strong judgmental language (e.g., "mess," "to grab/hoard"). Rhetorical questions are directed at the minister to highlight the contradictions between his words and actions. The author appeals to logic, criticizing the government for rushing the process and subsequently "fiddling" with amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the plenary session, delivering both a longer address concerning the agenda item and posing two questions to the minister related to trust in institutions and political conduct. This pattern of activity points to continuous and substantive criticism of the coalition's actions. Reference was also made to news items read over the weekend and statements made by colleagues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the government and the coalition, accusing them of drafting poor and rushed legislation. A separate point of criticism focuses on the minister's dismissive behavior toward the parliamentary party (specifically, the refusal to introduce the candidate for Prosecutor General), which undermines the trustworthiness of the institutions. The criticism is grounded in both policy and procedure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for cooperation but criticizes the government for its absence, highlighting the contradiction between the minister’s call for collaboration and his actual behavior. He demands that parliamentary parties be treated with respect and that their positions be taken into account. The willingness to cooperate is conditional and depends entirely on the government’s conduct.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is aimed at protecting the interests of residents in rural areas and large families, who will be hit hardest by the car tax. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of owning multiple vehicles in the countryside and the crucial importance of maintaining these cars for transporting children to school. The positions held by a colleague originating from Võrumaa are also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently against tax increases, especially when they are masked as charges (800 euros for deletion from the register). They view this taxation as government greed and an additional burden that negatively affects the economic survival of rural areas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus on social issues is aimed at improving the quality of life for large families and rural residents, specifically addressing their ability to provide transportation for children to school and extracurricular activities. It is stressed that government policy must support, rather than burden, these segments of the population.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing government-initiated bills (such as the Waste Act and the car tax) and criticizing the proposed amendments. The objective is to prevent the passing of poorly conceived and rushed legislation, and to raise concerns regarding the constitutionality of these drafts.
3 Speeches Analyzed