Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-13
Political Position
The political platform is firmly against tax hikes (including car, property, and progressive income tax), stressing the importance of economic liberty and valuing diligence. Furthermore, there is robust opposition to the increasing control exerted by European Union technocrats over national budgets, which is seen as a threat to democracy and the role of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The speaker also casts doubt on the government's sincerity regarding the proposed tax relief bill, dismissing it as a potential pre-election stunt.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in matters of energy and infrastructure financing, referencing the specifics of Elering's share capital increase, network tariffs, and the company's financial statements (cash and equivalents totaling 95 million). They possess in-depth knowledge of European Union budget directives, their four-year frameworks, and the requirements for factoring climate risks into budgetary decisions.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly critical and at times combative, particularly regarding opponents and the centralization of the European Union. The discourse employs both logical, data-driven questions (such as Elering’s financial status) and strong ideological assessments (e.g., "technocrats," "embarrassing"), and specific confirmations and promises are demanded from the ministers.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during a plenary session (2025-10-13), repeatedly posing questions to ministers and delivering lengthy speeches concerning several draft bills. This points to intensive involvement in legislative scrutiny and debates.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats, who are sharply criticized for promoting high taxes (including a car tax and a property tax) and for pushing misconceptions ("buying yachts"). The government is also criticized for reversing proposed legislation and employing pre-election stunts, as well as for handing over excessive control to the technocrats of the European Commission.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus concerns rural areas, emphasizing that the tax policy (the car tax) negatively affects the people living there, particularly large families. Energy topics center around national critical infrastructure.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Their economic views are strongly anti-tax, advocating for individual economic freedom and the right to use earned money without government restrictions. They question the necessity of state support for Elering, citing the company's substantial financial reserves. They oppose progressive income tax and property taxes, arguing that these would also negatively affect the homes of lower-income individuals.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social issues, emphasis is placed on protecting rural residents and large families from the tax burden, as the car tax hits them particularly hard. It also defends people's right to own a home without it being subject to a property tax, contrasting sharply with the views held by the Social Democrats.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at rejecting the draft bill for the transposition of the European Union budget directive, arguing that it restricts the power of the Riigikogu and hands control over to technocrats. Attention is also being paid to verifying the transparency of the proceedings related to the draft bill concerning the increase of Elering's share capital and pre-election tax relief.
8 Speeches Analyzed