Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-07
Political Position
Strong opposition to the coalition's (especially the Ministry of Climate's) green transition policy, labeling the accelerated development of renewable energy as "madness" and "irresponsible." The opposition favors dispatchable energy generation capacity, such as oil shale and nuclear power, over intermittent sources. Criticism is directed both at political values ("the liberal elite") and the government's poor performance (sloppy management, budget deficits).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound expertise in energy matters, particularly concerning the electricity market, grid stability, and system inertia. Uses technical terminology (frequency reserves, inverters, balance responsible party) and references detailed calculations (gas and oil shale prices, quota costs). Supports arguments by highlighting international examples (the power outage in Spain, high prices in Germany and Denmark).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, sharp, and accusatory, utilizing strong metaphors ("steamroller," "a knife in the back," "fuzziness"). It appeals to facts and logic, contrasting them with the coalition's "fantasy projects" and "vague rhetoric." It uses procedural questions to control the debate and engages in personal attacks (calling a colleague a "sloppy populist").
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She actively participates in the plenary session of the Riigikogu, taking part extensively in the debate on the draft Electricity Market Act, asking questions and responding to other colleagues. The focus is on criticizing the quality and substance of the bill's legislative process. He/She also mentions participation in the Environment Committee.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of negligence, incompetence, and partisan influence (Utilitas Wind/Sotsid). Criticism is directed both against the policy itself (the green transition) and the procedures used (shoddy work, rushing). It also criticizes opposition partners (Isamaa, Centre Party) for partially supporting the green policy.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It refuses to show willingness to cooperate with the coalition, demanding instead that the bill's proceedings be terminated. It calls on its opposition partners to be more principled and not to get caught up in the 'hype' surrounding renewable energy development.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The discussion focuses on Estonia's national energy policy and economic competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of domestic resources, specifically oil shale. It mentions the negative impact of the car tax on rural residents and large families. An international perspective is employed to provide cautionary examples (Spain, Germany, and Denmark).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Opposes tax hikes (VAT, excise duties, car tax) and hidden costs (network tariffs) that undermine the competitiveness of businesses. It calls for affordable electricity input and criticizes the government's incompetent financial forecasts (car tax revenue, frequency reserve costs). It holds the view that the input costs of energy production should be fully passed through to consumers.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are framed in the context of economic damage: [the speaker/text] criticizes the impact of the car tax on large families and rural residents, as well as the effect of tax increases on the poorer segment of society. It also mentions the removal of health insurance coverage from stay-at-home mothers and the abolition of the income tax exemption for children.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is the draft amendment to the Electricity Market Act, the proceedings of which are sought to be terminated. Criticism is directed at the sloppy preparation of the draft by the Ministry of Climate and its potential to create significant future obligations for Elering (the payment of fees for limited production).
16 Speeches Analyzed