Ferry ticket price increase
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2024-10-16 16:32
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The seventh question at the Riigikogu session addressed Regional and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman and the topic of “ferry ticket price increases.” The questioner was Mart Maastik, whose speech emphasized the vital importance of ferry connections to the islands and his concern about the rise in ticket prices and its impact on life, the movement of goods, and tourism. There were also rumors of a possible next increase in ticket prices, and discussion centered on how to limit prices and how to ensure reasonable and sustainable public transport between the major islands through cooperation between the state and local governments. It was pointed out that the ferry connection is not merely a convenience service, but an essential route for access to the islands, and its price affects the wider regional economy and the quality of life for communities.
Decisions Made 1
No specific decisions were made; there was a discussion about the impact of price increases, improving connectivity, and increasing the financial autonomy of local governments. Emphasis was placed on the fact that further action will include budgetary and financial analyses, and cooperation with local governments, including the use of CO2 funds, the Norway Grants, and European Union funding.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister Piret Hartman (pid = TTBOpGaQCWM). In terms of her position, she can be considered a "minister for other matters," meaning a minister who holds a leading and organizational role within the government and who represents the government's regional and rural development policy. She drew attention to both profit restrictions and the quality of public transport, state budget funds, and increasing the financial autonomy of local governments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Mart Maastik, a member of the Riigikogu (Parliament), is asking Regional and Agriculture Minister Piret Hartman about the increase in ferry ticket prices.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik expressed concern regarding the rising prices of ferry connections between Estonia's major islands. He pointed to TS Laevad's profit, which exceeds one million euros, and to rumors that the ministry is planning yet another ticket price hike. He emphasized that this is not a convenience service but essential access to the islands, and these prices significantly impact local life and tourism.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Piret Hartman stated that a profit cap will be introduced within the scope of the next ferry procurement. If TS Laevad exceeds this limit, they will be required to pay the excess profit back to the state. This measure is intended to improve connections to Saaremaa and help meet climate targets. Although raising ticket prices is not currently planned, the ministry is seeking funding and efficiency improvements through the state budget. Furthermore, they are prepared to discuss other issues, including the debate surrounding the road tax. She also noted that a quick solution was found for the Saaremaa rally, resulting in the addition of an extra ferry service.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gives thanks and asks Mart Maastik to present a clarifying question.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik pointed out that the issue with the Saaremaa rally isn't the ferry transport itself, but rather the access to the islands, coupled with the high cost of living and high prices for goods. This drives people away and forces them to choose cheaper holiday destinations. While there is discussion about the possibility of implementing local taxes, including a tourism tax, he would prefer that the profits generated by the ferries be distributed to the local municipalities whose areas are connected by those ferry routes, specifically to promote local tourism.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The presentation emphasized the need to consider regional differences (e.g., Saaremaa and Southeast Estonia), find mitigation strategies to increase the financial autonomy of local governments, and prepare for the next CAP. This preparation includes considering differentiated measures and directing revenues toward supporting the country's public transport system.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
It says that it is your time and you have the opportunity to act.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
The state allocated 119 million euros, added another 20 million to that, and 78 million is earmarked for various public transport investments this year and next year.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience and asks Andres Metsoja to ask a follow-up question.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Andres Metsoja states that the current government has purchased a "one-way ticket" via tax hikes, and stresses the necessity of an autonomous revenue base for local municipalities (such as land tax and road funding), as well as securing funds from the state budget or through related redistribution, arguing that protected areas do not generate revenue for local governments and redistribution does not create wealth.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Piret Hartman
AI Summary
As a member of the Riigikogu, Piret Hartman confirms that CO2 funds and resources from Norwegian funds will be used for the regional development of local governments, in addition to the state budget. Furthermore, investments will be directed toward social and educational infrastructure and more sustainable public transport. She states that the structure of the land tax is for local governments to decide, and land valuation must be updated more frequently to accurately reflect the real situation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He/She thanks everyone and announces that they are concluding the consideration of today's seventh question.