Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-12
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government and the prime minister, focusing on the government's poor performance regarding the deteriorating economy and budget. Key issues include energy decisions tainted by corruption, the failure to restrict business activities with Russia, and the blatant accusation of the biggest ally by a coalition partner. The criticism is intense and results-oriented, accusing the government of making foolish decisions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in Riigikogu procedural matters, demanding clarifications regarding the rules and number of questions allowed. Furthermore, they possess knowledge in the field of economic and energy policy, referencing the state of the budget and the 2.6 billion euro support package. To back up their positions, emphasis is placed on the opposition of "all experts" (economic and energy experts) to the government's hasty decisions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and demanding, employing strong and personal phrases such as "you are lying" and "stupid decisions." The speaker demands courage and resolve from the Prime Minister and uses emotional appeals, referencing the whiff of corruption and the country's increasing impoverishment. The style is direct and confrontational, even beginning with procedural criticism directed at the presiding officer.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, participating in procedural debates as well as posing pointed questions to the Prime Minister within the context of the vote of no confidence. This pattern demonstrates a focus on immediate and sharp criticism of the government's activities. They also reference hallway discussions with coalition partners.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets are the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Läänemets, who are accused of lying, talking nonsense, and making decisions detrimental to the state. The criticism is intense and covers both political aspects (business dealings with Russia, the budget, energy policy) and ethical aspects (a whiff of corruption, baseless accusations against allies). There is no willingness to compromise; direct accountability is being demanded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The approach to cooperation is centered on strengthening anti-government positions, citing corridor conversations among coalition partners' party members and general dissatisfaction with the government's performance. This indicates the use of informal channels for criticizing the administration. There are no signs of seeking compromise with the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on national issues (the economy, energy, the budget) and international politics, especially relations with the largest ally and business dealings with Russia. There is no regional or local focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of fiscal discipline, criticizing the worsening budget situation and the lack of economic growth. The speaker opposes the rapid, large financial supports (€2.6 billion) that have been condemned by experts, arguing that they constitute waste and will impoverish Estonia in the long term.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on critically challenging the government's activities and major financial decisions (the 2.6 billion euro support package). Furthermore, significant emphasis is placed on strictly adhering to the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and internal regulations, as well as the procedural oversight of the Speaker's activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed