Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Inquiry Regarding the Decline in Estonian Industrial Production (No. 658)
2024-12-02
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
Strong opposition to the government’s energy policy, especially offshore wind farm projects, which are considered too costly for taxpayers and detrimental to the economy’s competitiveness. The political framework is primarily performance- and cost-based, emphasizing that the state interferes with businesses and disregards their concerns. A sharp question is being raised: how can Estonia remain competitive given the conditions of outrageously high final energy prices?
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates detailed knowledge regarding the financial implications of energy infrastructure and major projects, highlighting specific cost figures and the extent of subsidies (e.g., 7 billion euros, 330 kV lines, 2.3–5 billion in subsidies). Utilizes technical data on industrial energy consumption (2 TWh vs 12 TWh) and analyzes the funding sources for Rail Baltic (CO2 quotas). The repeated emphasis on the specifics of the Saaremaa wind farm indicates thorough preparatory work.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly critical and insistent, accusing the government of counterproductive actions and ignoring the opposition ("falling on deaf ears"). It employs both logical arguments (calculations of costs and consumption) and emotional expressions (debt slavery, self-deception, visual pollution). It concludes on a cautiously positive note, expressing hope that sensible decisions will emerge from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They are speaking within the framework of the inquiry, focusing on recurring questions that have been posed before ("I have asked this repeatedly"). They refer to previous studies and meetings with entrepreneurs (roundtables), which demonstrates active knowledge gathering outside the Parliament (Riigikogu) chamber.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and the minister, accusing them of inefficiency, meddling in business affairs, and ignoring the opposition. It rejects the government's narrative that Russia's war is solely to blame for the economic woes, citing neighboring countries as a comparison. It sharply criticizes the funding sources for Rail Baltic, calling it "self-deception."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It indicates support for the idea put forward by other political parties to state-regulate banks' Euribor profits. Generally, the source is critical of the government, but expresses hope that the young minister will be capable of listening more to entrepreneurs as well.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus on Saaremaa, using the offshore wind farm planned for the Saaremaa coast and the associated infrastructure costs as the primary example of the government's failures. It also mentions the concerns of local residents regarding nature and health.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports national investments in necessary infrastructure (such as roads, bridges, using the Hoover Dam as an example) to stimulate the economy, even if it requires taking out loans, provided such borrowing is nationally regulated. It opposes tax increases and supports the national regulation of banks’ Euribor profits to minimize lending risk. It favors economic growth that is based on competitive energy prices and non-interference with businesses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on environmental and health issues concerning offshore wind farms, specifically mentioning the clear-cutting of hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest for the construction of power lines and the overall destruction of nature. It stresses that parks situated close to the coastline are a form of visual pollution and represent a significant health risk.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Focuses on inquiries concerning the economy and energy and the criticism of political decisions. It emphasizes the need to regulate Euribor profits and direct state investments into infrastructure, while criticizing the financing of Rail Baltic at the expense of CO2 quotas.
3 Speeches Analyzed