Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
2025-03-24
Political Position
The political focus is heavily concentrated on the energy sector, opposing the promotion of renewable energy, which is characterized as inefficient and requiring costly system services. They support weather-independent generation (oil shale, nuclear energy) and demand exemption from the CO2 quota fee. Criticism is aimed at ideological policymaking and unethical conduct, accusing the opposing parties of introducing elements of a planned economy. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, emphasizing actual costs and facts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the fields of energy and energy management, utilizing technical terms such as "system services," "total cost to society," "capacity reserves," and "frequency regulation." He supports his arguments with facts, referencing electricity prices in Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom to prove the increasing cost of renewable energy. He emphasizes the need for a second, weather-independent generation capacity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, aggressive, and ideologically charged, accusing the opponent of unethical conduct and advocating for a planned economy. The text employs repetitive phrases ("Repetition is the mother of wisdom") and ironic allusions ("a beautiful fairy tale"). Logical arguments (cost analysis and international examples) are interwoven with personal and partisan accusations to emphasize the opposing side's dishonesty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to repeated appearances at the Riigikogu podium, a recent debate on Delfi, and conversations held in the Economic Affairs Committee and the hallways, which collectively show active and consistent participation in political discussions. He reiterates his views, noting that he has spoken about them repeatedly from the podium.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the Reform Party and its representatives (including the Prime Minister and Mario Kadastik), who face criticism on both political and ethical grounds. The opponents are accused of knowingly speaking untruths, presenting ideological talking points, and being unwilling to establish a planned economy aimed at a narrow circle. The criticism is intense and includes accusations of favoring socialist methods.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is centered on Estonia's national energy production, specifically the use of oil shale and the maintenance of existing power generation units. The objective is to guarantee adequate energy availability for national defense and the development of major industry within Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of cheap, weather-independent energy to foster large-scale industry and ensure overall economic viability. The speaker is vehemently opposed to subsidies and planned economies, arguing that renewable energy sources significantly increase the total societal cost. They support measures aimed at reducing costs for energy producers, such as securing exemptions from CO2 quota fees.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is a strong proponent of the specific bill currently under discussion, urging everyone to support it. This bill signals an effort to terminate renewable energy subsidies. Furthermore, a key legislative priority involves directing the government to secure an exemption from the CO2 quota charge for Estonian energy producers.
3 Speeches Analyzed