Session Profile: Rain Epler
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-04
Political Position
There is strong opposition to the Reform Party’s green energy policy, with wind farms being deemed expensive, unreasonable regarding land use, and restrictive of local communities' rights. The group demands a radical overhaul of party financing supervision, viewing the ERJK’s activities as absurd bureaucracy that stifles civic activism. The political framework itself is a mix of policy-driven (costs, efficiency) and value-based (protection of rural life) approaches.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep expertise in energy and electricity grid operations, utilizing technical terms such as frequency market, inverters, and the stabilizing role of batteries/gas plants. Presents detailed calculations regarding the land use of various energy production methods. Also possesses thorough knowledge of the absurdity of political advertising and the procedural rules of the ERJK (Committee for Supervision of Party Financing), citing examples from European regulatory frameworks.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
He/She employs a sharp, sarcastic, and occasionally humorous tone, especially when exposing the demagoguery of opponents and ridiculing the activities of the ERJK (Committee for Supervising Party Financing). Alongside logical arguments and technical data, he/she prefers practical examples and personal anecdotes (the punk festival, the visit to Sopi-Tootsi) to illustrate the sheer absurdity of bureaucracy and politics. The style is direct and strives for accessibility to the general public, often utilizing colloquial expressions.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the work of the Riigikogu, speaking at plenary sessions and taking part in committee work, including the recent field trip to the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm. He/She refers to frequent private conversations with colleagues where the existence of problems is acknowledged. He/She is involved in presenting draft legislation and publicly filing complaints.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against the Reform Party and the coalition, accusing them of underestimating rural residents (labeling them "poorly informed") and burdening the populace with a bureaucratic yoke. The activities of the ERJK (Political Parties Financing Surveillance Committee) are sharply criticized, which is deemed politically biased and part of Liisa Oviir’s personal campaign. Irony and sarcasm are employed to highlight the contradictory behavior of the opponents.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
While expecting the coalition to vote down the opposition’s draft legislation, [he/she] remains open to cooperation on improving the bills via amendments (for example, concerning the ERJK reform). [He/She] points to widespread, private, cross-party consensus regarding the ERJK issue, calling on coalition members of parliament to reflect and offer their support.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It emphasizes the protection of the rights of rural areas and local communities, citing Haanja, Lahemaa, and Vana-Vigala as examples. It stresses the need to preserve the visual landscape of Estonia free from large industrial facilities, and criticizes the condescending attitude of city dwellers toward the concerns of rural residents.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He advocates for reducing bureaucracy and the tax burden, noting that the tax load has increased substantially in recent years. He considers wind and solar energy expensive and inefficient because they require significant additional investments in the grid and stabilization infrastructure. He criticizes the system where a business model is created in which one party profits from destabilizing the grid and the other profits from balancing it.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on supporting socially important events and charitable causes, while criticizing the ERJK for penalizing politicians who advertise community events (such as the Song Festival or punk festivals). It emphasizes the importance of civic initiative and national celebrations, and strongly criticizes the punishment of good deeds.
25 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary draft bills concern increasing the wind farm impact zone to 20 kilometers in order to protect residents from noise and visual disturbance. The second priority is terminating the activities of the ERJK (Committee for Supervision of Party Financing) and transferring the oversight function to the State Audit Office, thereby bringing supervision into a sensible framework. (He/She) is an active supporter and initiator of these opposition draft bills.
25 Speeches Analyzed