Session Profile: Rain Epler
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-03
Political Position
It fundamentally supports caring for the weakest in society (raising the subsistence benefit threshold) but sharply criticizes the previous tax policy decisions of the government (the Reform Party and the Social Democrats)—specifically the VAT increase and the car tax—deeming them ineffective and harmful to the target group. The position is strongly policy- and results-based, focusing on numerical analysis and exposing the political hypocrisy of its opponents. It concludes with a strong ideological warning that socialism ultimately leads to bankruptcy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates strong expertise in the fields of fiscal policy, taxation (VAT, motor vehicle tax), and social benefits. Uses national statistics, budget figures, and detailed calculations to support arguments, independently arriving at the same order of magnitude as the bill's proponents (circa 14 million). Focuses on the impact of tax regressivity on the target group of subsistence benefit recipients.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, data-driven, and sharply critical of opponents, utilizing rhetorical questions during the Q&A session. The speech begins measuredly and focuses on figures, but quickly turns politically aggressive, accusing opponents of stealing money and inefficient administration. It concludes with a powerful ideological statement regarding the dangers of socialism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Participates actively in the plenary debate, submitting two questions regarding the draft bill and subsequently delivering a comprehensive speech that demonstrates preparation and independent numerical analysis. Focuses on a single theme—social benefits and tax policy—throughout the entire session.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats and the Reform Party, who are sharply criticized for their policies (VAT hike, car tax, abolition of the income tax exemption) and fiscal inefficiency. The criticism is policy-based, focusing on how the governing coalition has taken money away from its target demographic and is now returning it through costly administration. It accuses the opponents of driving the state into bankruptcy through socialist policies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The party demonstrates a willingness to support the bill due to its social objective, even though it originates from the opposition, and urges others to support it. However, the style of cooperation remains highly conditional and critical of the opposition party (the Social Democrats), using the debate over the bill as a platform to condemn their past actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports fiscal efficiency and opposes regressive taxes (such as VAT), which take proportionally the most from the poor. Prefers to leave money in the hands of the people to avoid the costly administration (3–5 million) involved in benefit refunds. Expresses strong opposition to the socialist economic model, which leads to bankruptcy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It heavily emphasizes society's moral obligation to care for its weaker members (recipients of subsistence benefits). The focus is on social justice in the context of taxation, criticizing the removal of money from families with children through the abolition of the income tax exemption.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the draft bill to raise the subsistence benefit limit. While supporting this objective, the discussion is also used more broadly to criticize tax policy. It emphasizes the importance of accurately assessing the budgetary cost of the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed