By Plenary Sessions: Rain Epler

The speaker demonstrates expertise in mineral resource exploration and permitting processes, focusing on the role of local governments and their lack of specialized capacity. They address a specific legal amendment concerning the two-month consultation phase required when applying for an exploration permit. They emphasize that the issue of mineral resources, particularly exploration, should be treated as a national matter.

The speaker demonstrates expertise on topics concerning tax policy (excise duties, tax-exempt thresholds) and the nation’s economic competitiveness. They stress the necessity of exploring mineral resources at a sensible pace to enhance the country's competitiveness. Detailed technical or statistical information is not utilized in their addresses.

The expertise is evident when economic topics are discussed, specifically referencing the concrete tax burden percentage (33.8%) and the current state of Estonia's economic recession. Technical terms (tax burden, economic recession) are employed, but they are blended with unconventional rhetoric ("the zero point of sexiness").

The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic impact analysis and macroeconomics, stressing the necessity of evaluating the effect of policies on GDP and housing affordability. He specifically references an analysis by the Fraser Institute in Canada, highlighting a 2% negative impact on GDP and calling for equivalent modeling to be conducted in Estonia.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the legislative process and the separation of powers, emphasizing the legislature's role in refining draft legislation. Technical terminology related to environmental regulation and material recycling/reuse is employed (e.g., wastewater, raw materials). There is a continuous demand for data-driven analysis and statistics (such as water volume and raw material potential) from the ministry to facilitate the improvement of legislation.

The speakers demonstrate detailed knowledge in the fields of demography and economics, using specific comparative data (birth rates, GDP, and labor productivity compared to Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland). They also show knowledge of energy policy (the requirement to maintain 1000 MW of dispatchable capacity) and national defense topics (the creation of capability gaps when donating weaponry).

The speaker demonstrates expertise in Riigikogu parliamentary procedure, particularly concerning the competence of committees, the role of the rapporteur, and established good practices. They are also knowledgeable about the functioning of the medical system and systemic pressure (illustrated by the example of home birth). Furthermore, they reference the work of the European Union Affairs Committee related to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which encompasses a broad scope of topics, including water quality and product labeling.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the history of tax policy and VAT rates, referencing specific past and current percentages (18%, 20%, 22%). They use historical context (the 2009 promises) to support their arguments, focusing on financial matters and legislation.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of energy economics, referencing Nord Pool's official data and specific percentages regarding the electricity price differential with Finland. Furthermore, he possesses thorough knowledge of state-owned enterprise management and sales processes, posing detailed questions about Nordica's special audit, management failures, and the potential filing of claims.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the internal procedures and operational structure of the Riigikogu, explaining the reasons for the absence of bill rapporteurs (illness, official travel abroad). They are well acquainted with the previous practices and duties of the Session Department concerning the verification of the rapporteurs' presence.

The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge regarding the indicators of the media freedom index, pointing out specific declines in the general, political, and legal indicators (e.g., a drop from 4th place to 8th place). Furthermore, they are well-versed in energy policy and security issues, emphasizing the lack of dispatchable capacity and referencing the economic situation in Germany as a cautionary example of the green transition.