Session Profile: Rain Epler
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
A strong focus on issues related to the energy sector and reducing bureaucracy. The speaker is firmly opposed to both mandatory sustainability reporting and the 100% renewable energy target for 2030, calling the latter a "foolish goal." The political framework is heavily performance-based, emphasizing the correctness of their previous positions and criticizing the Reform Party's false promises. The speaker considers the primary objective of the state to be the preservation of a free Estonian state, Estonian culture, and language.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound knowledge in the energy sector, particularly concerning the role of oil shale, dispatchable capacity, and the economic impact of renewable energy. Employs technical and economic arguments, such as Estonia's status as a net importer, the influence of CapEx (Capital Expenditure), and the price effect of CO2 quotas (noting the requirement for a €200 price point for carbon capture viability). Is up-to-date on previous discussions held within the Economic Affairs Committee and the European Union Affairs Committee (ELAK).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly confrontational, critical, and self-assured, highlighting his earlier prescience ("Epler was right"). He employs both logical arguments (economic calculations) and personal attacks, criticizing the minister's report as "boring talk" and accusing his Reform Party colleagues of political technology/spin and outright lying. He utilizes Estonian proverbs and irony (e.g., "you break into an open door").
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered during a single plenary session (2025-05-21), suggesting active involvement in debates. Reference is made to previous activities within the Economic Affairs Committee (October 2023) and the submission of a draft bill by the faction. The opportunity to request additional time is utilized, and procedural questions regarding the conduct of the session are raised.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the actions of the Reform Party and the government, accusing them of dishonesty (tax hikes, making temporary taxes permanent) and unsound economic decisions. Specifically, Andres Sutt, Kristo Vaga, Hanah Lahe, and Annely are singled out for criticism. On the foreign policy front, Ursula von der Leyen’s political opportunism regarding the green transition is also criticized.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker constantly offers advice to colleagues, particularly regarding energy and economic issues, but feels that this help falls on deaf ears (describing the situation as "running headfirst into a brick wall"). The speaker asks the Chair of the Finance Committee (Annely) to prepare a consolidated document detailing the impact of changes to the tax burden, in order to ensure that both parliament members and the public are better informed.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on Estonia's domestic energy issues and the crucial role of Ida-Virumaa in the context of oil shale production and controlling air pollution. Internationally, it references European Union policy (ELAK, Ursula von der Leyen) and cites examples from Canada (specifically Ontario) regarding ineffective energy policy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly advocates for reducing bureaucracy (opposing ESG reporting) and limiting state intervention, preferring that capital remains in the hands of businesses. Warns that tax revenue will decrease if the tax burden is raised excessively. Supports exempting oil shale electricity producers from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas in order to ensure affordable electricity without subsidies.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is insufficient data concerning social issues. Nevertheless, it is stressed that the ultimate goal of the state is the preservation of a free Estonian state, Estonian culture, and language.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are the abolition of mandatory sustainability reporting (Isamaa's bill) and removing energy targets (e.g., 100% renewable energy by 2030) from the legislation. It supports the faction's draft bill that would exempt oil shale electricity producers from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas.
8 Speeches Analyzed