Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Ferry ticket price increase
2024-10-16
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed towards opposing the hike in ferry ticket prices, stressing that the connection to the islands is a vital extension of the road network, not merely a convenience service. This stance is critical of the government's actions, which permit the carrier to generate substantial profits (over one million euros) at the same time that costs for residents and tourists are rising. The framing of the issue is primarily results-oriented, criticizing both the high cost of the service and the worsening accessibility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the economics of the ferry connection, citing the profit figures of the operator TS Laevad and the magnitude of the ticket price increase (twofold or more). Furthermore, they are familiar with the plans of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture to finalize a draft bill for the implementation of local taxes (including a tourism tax) by the beginning of next year.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is anxious and urgent, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem with the phrase, "We are actually worried." Both logical arguments (profits, the impact of transport costs on store prices) and emotional examples (empty hotels during the Saaremaa rally, it being cheaper to go to Greece than to the islands) are utilized. Formal address is used when referring to the minister and the presiding officer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referenced the recent Saaremaa rally, where he personally observed the emptiness of the tourist farms and spoke with local entrepreneurs, which indicates activity on the ground. Other patterns of activity are limited to posing two questions to the minister during a single session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the ministry (due to rumors that they are planning a ticket price hike) and the operator TS Laevad, whose large profits are deemed unfair. The criticism is policy- and performance-based, questioning why the state allows profits to be generated at the expense of an essential service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is extremely strong, centering on Estonia’s major islands and the high cost of living faced by their residents. Emphasis is placed on the concerns of local municipalities and tourism businesses, using the Saaremaa rally as a case study, and demanding that profits be channeled specifically to the local governments that connect these regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Advocates for lower transport costs to support the local economy and tourism, and criticizes the carrier's high profits. It proposes directing the ferry operator's profits, within the scope of the next tender, to local municipalities to help them develop tourism, thereby supporting the local economic cycle.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is currently centered on the rising cost of living on the islands. This increase is driven by high transportation costs, which in turn affect retail prices. It is emphasized that the high cost of accessing the islands is a serious problem, as it reduces visitor numbers and harms the local community.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the terms of the upcoming ferry tender and the draft legislation from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture concerning the introduction of local taxes. The speaker aims to initiate a political change whereby the carrier's profit would be distributed among the local municipalities served by the ferry traffic.
2 Speeches Analyzed