Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-24
Political Position
The speaker places strong emphasis on energy policy, forcefully challenging the government’s target of reaching a 100% share of renewable energy in annual volume by 2030, which he considers both inefficient and expensive. He strongly advocates for retaining controllable capacity (oil shale) during the transition phase and constructing a nuclear power plant as a long-term fix, highlighting the crucial role of affordable energy in boosting the economy. His position is deeply rooted in policy and facts, and he accuses the government of engaging in "number magic" and disregarding factual evidence.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the energy sector, utilizing detailed technical data and statistics regarding Estonia's electricity consumption (exceeding 8 TWh), peak demand (1.6 GW), and installed capacity and capacity factors (e.g., wind at 22.6%, solar at 14.6%). He provides thorough comparisons covering the construction costs, fuel expenses, and CO2 emissions associated with different generation types (oil shale, gas, wind, nuclear), citing Elering reports and international analyses.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is analytical, fact-based, and strongly critical, accusing opponents of talking "fluff" and ignoring "factual reality." He uses irony and sharp metaphors (e.g., calling the government "Simpletons") to emphasize the illogical nature of the policy. His appeals are primarily logical and economic, relying on calculations and international examples (Germany, California) to expose the shortcomings of the green narrative.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker delivered an extensive summary report during the plenary session, followed by active participation in the debate, where they responded to several colleagues. They also referenced a recent television appearance concerning insurance issues and previous debates (for example, with Mario Kadastik), demonstrating active involvement both in the media and in discussions outside of parliament.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply opposes the policies of the government and the coalition, accusing them of inefficiency, ignoring facts, and catering to narrow (lobby) interests. Specific criticism is leveled at Kristen Michal for employing "number magic" and at Kaja Kallas for an ineffective export plan. The speaker also criticizes the dismissal of officials who exposed inconsistencies, and warns against energy entrepreneurs "skimming the cream."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is prepared for pragmatic cooperation, even if it means the coalition adopts the opposition's good ideas and presents them as their own. He communicates directly with colleagues (Mario, Martin), acknowledging their expertise, but challenging their ideological stances. He emphasizes the need to create a framework that ensures a level playing field for entrepreneurs, rather than directing the flow of money into the pockets of a select few.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker emphasizes the importance of Ida-Virumaa, supporting the use of oil shale and referencing the health issues faced by the region's residents, which should be addressed through affordable energy production. On the international front, he focuses on comparisons and cautionary examples (Germany, Denmark, California) and proposes cooperation with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland regarding the CO2 quota issue.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong advocate for the market economy, where cheap, reliable energy forms the bedrock of economic growth. He opposes tax increases and the squandering of state funds on inefficient projects (for example, 2.8 billion thrown to the wind), preferring instead to invest in the construction of a nuclear power plant. He is critical of lobbying and the ideas put forth by the social democrats, which obscure the actual costs, and stresses that while entrepreneurs must be able to earn a profit, the state must ensure a level playing field.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the issue of energy poverty, noting that costly energy policies disproportionately impact the poorer segments of society. He criticizes the "green narrative" and the manufactured climate anxiety, pointing to surveys that manipulate public opinion (specifically, offering money in exchange for supporting wind farms). He accuses the Reform Party and the Social Democrats of keeping people dependent so they can be manipulated.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker’s primary legislative focus is changing the energy framework to accelerate the development of a nuclear power plant and maintain the use of oil shale. He/She has submitted a draft resolution calling on the government to initiate negotiations with neighboring countries to request a temporary exemption from the European Commission regarding the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas.
9 Speeches Analyzed