By Plenary Sessions: Rain Epler
Total Sessions: 11
Fully Profiled: 11
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
The political position is strongly value-driven and confrontational, centered on revoking the voting rights of citizens of the aggressor state and opposing the so-called woke agenda. The speaker accuses the government of being pro-Russian and promoting a Putinist narrative concerning historical monuments and symbols. There is also sharp criticism directed at the unethical and impolite behavior of ministers within the Riigikogu chamber, indicating a focus both on core values and on criticizing the government’s conduct and moral standing.
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
The political platform centers on strong opposition to renewable energy subsidies, which are viewed as detrimental to Estonia's competitiveness. A second key issue is the evaluation of the suitability of government ministers (Ligi, Läänemets), demanding that the Prime Minister take a clear position regarding uncivil behavior and red symbols. The policy framing is heavily focused on criticizing the government's activities and addressing value-based concerns (respect, security).
2024-10-22
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
The political platform centers on strong support for introducing an extraordinary bank levy, viewing it as a crucial mechanism for balancing the budget and steering banking behavior. The speaker is critical of the government's performance, especially concerning the influence of major business interests (i.e., banks) on political decision-making. Furthermore, the platform expresses opposition to excessive regulation (such as mandatory ESG reporting), which undermines the competitiveness of both Estonia and Europe.
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing primarily on criticizing justice and economic policy. The speaker opposes the plan to rent out Estonian prison capacity to foreign states (such as the United Kingdom) and demands clarity regarding the grounds for incarceration, especially when it relates to political criticism. There is also strong opposition to the government's tax hikes (dubbed the "tax rally"), and skepticism is voiced concerning optimistic forecasts for economic growth. The overall political framework is a mixture of substantive policy criticism and the condemnation of the ethical conduct of government members.
2024-10-16
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government's fiscal policy and tax hikes. The speaker demands budget transparency and accountability, criticizing the broad discretion ministers have in reallocating funds, as well as tax increases that undermine competitiveness and the ability of low-income individuals to make ends meet. The focus is heavily directed toward criticizing the government's actions and incompetence.
2024-10-15
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
The speaker is in strong opposition to the government’s policies, focusing his criticism on the economic recession, hyperinflation, and flawed energy policy decisions. He opposes tax hikes (excise duties, the tax hump) and criticizes the government’s actions on a values basis, accusing it of pursuing anti-family and anti-child policies and viewing human existence as a burden on nature. The political position is strongly results-oriented and ideologically charged, emphasizing the effectiveness of the opposition’s activities (the postponement of the tax hump, the withdrawal of the child protection law bill).
2024-10-14
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Strong opposition to the government's policies, particularly the cuts to social benefits and tax hikes that undermine the sense of security for families with children. The primary issues are the demographic crisis and supporting the birth rate, with critics stressing that the government’s measures (such as abolishing large family benefits and raising taxes) are counterproductive. Fierce criticism is also leveled against the procedural correctness of public administration and the political appointment of high-ranking officials. The political focus is thus both value-driven (supporting families) and procedural (adherence to the rule of law).
2024-10-09
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session.
The political stance is cautious and policy-driven, primarily focused on preserving the quality and accessibility of social services, especially given the current constraints on state finances. The speaker expresses strong skepticism toward the draft legislation, particularly because it employs the word "flexibility," fearing that this term is being used to mask service cutbacks or reductions. Furthermore, they are demanding strict financial transparency and precision regarding the costs associated with the proposed bill.
2024-10-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
The political focus is on national security and foreign policy, particularly regarding the possible deployment of Estonian soldiers to Western Ukraine for a training mission. The speaker demands strong transparency and accountability from the government, emphasizing that members of the Riigikogu and the Estonian people must be aware of these weighty decisions. This position is strongly aimed at scrutinizing the government's actions and ensuring the topic is discussed publicly.
2024-10-08
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
The political stance is skeptical and outcome-oriented, focusing on the practical implications of administrative changes (such as contract duration and the division of labor between agencies). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of avoiding uncertainty in laboratory operations, and there is doubt regarding the true effectiveness of bureaucracy reduction if the ministry's budget remains static while the budget of the Health Board increases.
2024-10-07
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
The political stance is strongly critical of the government's infrastructure funding and prioritization, especially concerning the reduction of road maintenance funds. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of fulfilling commitments made to Europe (Via Baltica 2030), and the expediency and realistic completion of the Rail Baltic project are called into question. The position is results-oriented, focusing on budgetary inconsistencies and the risks associated with failing to meet obligations.