Session Profile: Rain Epler
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-06
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's haphazard development of renewable energy, emphasizing its negative impact on economic competitiveness and national security. The speaker continues to regard fossil fuels as the foundation of economic competitiveness and sharply criticizes the actions of the Electoral Service regarding e-voting violations. These stances are predominantly policy- and value-based, highlighting economic and strategic fragility.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, utilizing technical terms (stochastic energy, correlation, storage capacities) and referencing economic graphs. He supports his positions with international examples (the deindustrialization of Germany, the United Kingdom) and citations from the National Defence Committee report, providing detailed explanations regarding the necessity of double capacity and the risks of grid overvoltage.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and direct, addressing ministers straight on and questioning their competence ("continuing to be completely misguided," "get your facts straight"). The speaker employs logical arguments and references data (correlation, graphs), but delivers them with a sharp and cynical tone, asking whether the election service is "stupid" or "cynical."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the debates of the plenary session, posing substantive questions and making procedural remarks regarding the attendance of ministers. He emphasized the necessity of concluding the debates and remaining in the chamber to improve the reputation of the Riigikogu.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the energy policy of the minister and the government, which is deemed misguided, damaging to the economy, and a security risk. Strong criticism is also directed at the election commission and the election service, who are accused of ignoring violations and engaging in collusion/a cover-up. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no sign of a direct willingness to compromise with the government; rather, they are demanding that ministers change their positions. When speaking of cooperation, the speaker refers to the National Defence Committee report, which was compiled by the committee led by party colleague Meelis Kiili, using it to support their security arguments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily international and national, utilizing examples of deindustrialization in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal) to illustrate the failure of renewable energy policy. In the Estonian context, emphasis is placed on energy security and economic competitiveness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are heavily focused on maintaining economic growth and competitiveness, stressing that cheap energy, including fossil fuels, is the foundation for achieving this. The speaker opposes the green transition, arguing that it results in rising costs for consumers and businesses and causes deindustrialization, citing the relocation of German industrial companies.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on changing the direction of the existing energy policy and taking into account the conclusions of the National Defense Committee report, which address the strategic risk of developing renewable energy. Additionally, the focus includes the question of the correctness of the electoral service's activities and the conduct of elections, referencing violations in e-voting.
4 Speeches Analyzed