Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing
2025-09-10
Political Position
The political stance heavily centers on the lack of transparency and mismanagement concerning the utilization of funds by the Ministry of Defence and defence investments. The speaker is demanding the resignation of Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, accusing him of lying and incompetence, which indicates strong opposition based on performance outcomes. The historical context of the border fence construction and the transparency of its associated costs are also deemed significant.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in defense investments and internal control matters, precisely referencing specific points in the National Audit Office report (e.g., 19, 54, 55, 56) and concrete figures (723.9 million euros). They emphasize deficiencies in inventory accounting and the necessity of strengthening internal control systems, utilizing technical terminology such as "resource management software."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and accusatory, focusing on the opponent's personal dishonesty and incompetence, and directly calling him a liar and a puppet. The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments, reading out excerpts from the State Audit Office report and yesterday's transcript to substantiate his claims with facts. Historical examples (2014, 2019) are also used for the introduction and to establish context.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The questioner is an active participant during the Riigikogu's Question Time, posing repeated and prepared questions to the Prime Minister regarding the minister's suitability for office. He reacts quickly to the previous day's events and answers, having prepared materials (transcripts, National Audit Office reports) to support his claims.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, who faces intense attacks both personally (allegations of lying and evasion) and procedurally (for failing to address shortcomings in internal control). The opposition is uncompromising, demanding the minister be removed from office. Additionally, earlier decisions concerning the funding of the border fence are also being criticized, with Mart and Martin Helme being named.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
South-East Estonia is brought up in relation to the historical context of building the border fence, as well as local residents' concerns about the visibility of the border installations. The primary emphasis, however, remains on the actions taken by the Ministry of Defence and the government at the national level.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on the responsible and transparent utilization of taxpayer funds in national defense investments. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring that the assets and inventory acquired through these expenditures are properly accounted for and subject to audit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on holding the executive branch accountable and oversight, especially highlighting the results of the audit of the Ministry of Defence’s activities. Specific new bills or amendments are not mentioned; the emphasis is on the failure to comply with existing internal control requirements.
2 Speeches Analyzed