Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-04-08
Political Position
It focuses on criticizing the substance of the government’s actions and legislation, particularly concerning the activities of the Social Democrats. There is strong opposition to new taxes (the car tax) and the inefficiency of state spending, notably highlighting the billion that remains unused. The political framework is heavily value-driven and fundamentally questions the competence of the government.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a deep understanding of international law, referencing the International Labour Organization (ILO) convention and its appendices concerning the definitions of sex and gender. There is also a detailed focus on the law's implementation mechanisms, requiring clarification on the basis for defining the "underrepresented gender" (national statistics vs. company-specific data).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly confrontational and demanding, especially concerning the repeated questions put to the minister that went unanswered. It employs direct accusations (lying) against political opponents and raises rhetorical questions regarding the government's competence. There is also a brief procedural question about adjourning the session.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches are short and focus on questions or procedural clarifications during the plenary session. This demonstrates active participation in current discussions, linking the topics of gender quotas and the car tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats (Sotsid/Socs), who stand accused of deliberate lying (Reili Rand) and incompetence concerning state finances (Anti Allas). The criticism spans both policy issues (the car tax, wind farms) and personal trustworthiness (lying), further highlighting the Socs' connection to the 2.6 billion wind farm project.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no references to cooperation with other political parties; rather, emphasis is placed on the party's unified stance (e.g., there are two sexes), contrasting with the government's positions. Communication with the minister is demanding and critical, requiring a clear answer to unanswered questions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (such as the car tax and quotas for publicly listed companies) and international law (the ILO convention). There are no references to specific regional issues or local interests.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong criticism leveled against the government's spending and tax policy, specifically opposing the proposed car tax. Emphasis is placed on fiscal discipline, highlighting that the state failed to utilize one billion euros, while significant sums are being channeled toward NGOs and wind farms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core issue revolves around the definition of sex in legislation, specifically asking whether the reference is to biological sex or social gender, while citing the ILO convention. The text supports the view that there are two biological sexes but acknowledges the introduction of the concept of social gender into Estonian legislation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on the gender quota bill, demanding legal clarity regarding the definitions of "gender" and "underrepresented gender." It is also a staunch opponent of the proposed car tax bill, criticizing the justification for its necessity from the standpoint of state finances.
4 Speeches Analyzed