Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Second reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Land Tax Act (437 SE)
2024-06-12
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is firmly against the draft amendment to the Land Tax Act, criticizing it as yet another tax hike resulting from the government's poor economic management and massive budget deficit. The speaker opposes the entire "tax cascade," emphasizing that this will hit the wallets of all taxpayers hard. The stance is strongly outcome-oriented, calling into question the sustainability of the state.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in the fields of agriculture and local government finance, drawing on personal experience as the owner of a farm and 15 years of service on the Saaremaa Municipal Council. He explains in detail the negative chain reaction that the land tax increase has on agriculture, as well as the forced necessity for local governments to raise taxes. He also refers to his knowledge gained from discussions concerning legislation on crisis preparedness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, concerned, and at times dramatic, employing strong expressions such as "into a forced move," "we are actually absolutely killing off our local economy," and "the cascade of taxes." It appeals both to logic (economic chain reactions, the necessity of cost reduction) and to emotions, emphasizing the need to think like a steward (or owner). The style is formal but incorporates personal examples.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu session, repeatedly taking the floor during the debate on the same bill. He/She refers to his/her participation in the Economic Affairs Committee meeting the previous day, where the crisis preparedness of food businesses was discussed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the current government and coalition, who stand accused of poor governance and an inability to manage the country without resorting to tax hikes. The criticism is both political and economic, specifically questioning the government's large and costly decisions (Rail Baltic, offshore wind farms, nuclear energy). Furthermore, the stances taken by colleagues in the Reform Party regarding the compulsory sale of land are also under fire.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is rather confrontational, as the speaker sharply criticizes the government's policy. While he/she does refer to corridor discussions with colleagues from the Reform Party, those conversations highlighted fundamental disagreements regarding the value and sale of land, rather than compromise.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong regional focus on Saaremaa and its rural areas, given that the speaker has worked on the Saaremaa Municipal Council for 15 years. It is stressed that raising the land tax is especially devastating for rural regions, since agriculture is one of the few economic activities available there. A specific issue is also brought up regarding Saaremaa hemp growers who are depleting the soil.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance is firmly against tax hikes, as they drain taxpayers and businesses. The speaker supports local agricultural producers and warns that the land tax will force them to cut costs, slash wages, and ultimately face bankruptcy. He criticizes the government’s large and unpredictable spending and warns against international funds buying up Estonian land.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, emphasis is placed on the local governments' obligation to ensure funding for children's extracurricular activities and teachers' pay raises. These services are now at risk due to the land tax hike, which has forced local authorities into a difficult financial position.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Bill 437 SE (the Draft Act amending the Land Tax Act), which the speaker considers detrimental. He/She has also taken part in discussions regarding the implementation of crisis preparedness standards for food businesses, specifically criticizing the lack of government support provided for meeting these standards.
4 Speeches Analyzed