Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Public Transport Act (725 SE)
2025-10-14
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to certain sections of draft bill 725 SE, particularly the removal of photographs from the service provider card, which is deemed risky. Furthermore, there is a strong demand for granting local authorities the right to conduct control transactions concerning platform service providers, thereby emphasizing fair competition and transparency. The position is heavily procedural and value-driven, accusing the government of political apathy and preferential treatment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Public Transport Act and its supervision mechanisms, focusing on the regulation of platform services and the requirements for operator cards. Specific terms such as "control transactions" are used, and reference is made to the topic of connecting registers (the Public Transport Register, the Register of Economic Activities). This knowledge is confirmed by referencing the specific proposals of the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, challenging, and accusatory, frequently employing rhetorical questions to cast doubt on both the urgency of the draft bill and the competence of the ministry. Logical arguments (concerning competition and risks) are combined with direct accusations of the government's political disinterest and lack of transparency. Finally, there is a direct insinuation that the ruling parties favor platform service providers, which serves to heighten the emotional tension.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is centered on legislative debate in the Riigikogu chamber, involving the posing of repeated questions to the minister and participation in the first reading of the draft bill. The speaker mentions waiting a long time for their turn to speak, which demonstrates active participation in the session. No events or meetings that took place outside the Riigikogu are mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Minister and the Ministry, who are being slammed for dragging their feet, incompetence, and a lack of officials capable of solving simple problems. The harshest criticism is aimed at the ruling parties, who stand accused of showing no interest in regulating platform services, suggesting political opacity and favoritism toward their supporters. The criticism is intense and highly suspicious, casting doubt on the government's true motives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is underway with the Isamaa party, with a commitment to submit corresponding amendments regarding the removal of photographs. Cooperation with the representative organization of local governments (the Association of Cities and Rural Municipalities) is also crucial; efforts will be made to vigorously defend their proposals in the Riigikogu. This cooperation is aimed at strengthening opposition viewpoints.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the interaction between the local and national levels, emphasizing the need to address the requirements of local authorities (the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities). In particular, emphasis is placed on the capacity of local government law enforcement units to perform oversight functions concerning platform service providers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions emphasize the necessity of ensuring fair competition and transparent service provision within the platform services sector, calling for stronger regulatory oversight. While the reduction of bureaucracy is supported (such as the merging of registers), there is suspicion that the current draft bill primarily serves the interests of platform service providers, granting them an advantage.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Public safety and risk mitigation in the provision of public transport services are at the forefront of social issues. Specifically, there is a strong emphasis on the need to keep taxi drivers' photographs on their service provider cards. This is crucial for ensuring the identifiability of the service provider and preventing the unauthorized duplication of licenses. The removal of these photographs is viewed as increasing risks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft Public Transport Act (Bill 725 SE). The speaker is a critical opponent of certain provisions within the bill and is leading the effort to introduce significant amendments. The primary priority is establishing the right of local governments to oversee transactions involving platform service providers. The Isamaa party has pledged to submit corresponding amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed