Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
First reading of the Draft Act (728 SE) on the Gambling Act, the Gambling Tax Act, the Act amending the Gambling Tax Act, and the Act amending the Cultural Endowment Act.
2025-10-21
15th Riigikogu, Sixth Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft bill (728 SE) proposing a reduction in the gambling tax, emphasizing the contradiction with the coalition's general policy of raising taxes. The criticism is aimed primarily at policy inconsistencies and uncertain economic outcomes (hypothetical revenue versus guaranteed costs). This stance is clearly policy-driven, focusing on the principle of fiscal consistency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international tax competition, citing Malta's iGaming market as an example and raising questions about Estonia's competitive advantage. Furthermore, specific data concerning costs related to increasing bureaucracy (six positions, 200,000 euros annually) was provided, underscoring the necessity of financial analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and inquisitive, focusing on logical juxtapositions and highlighting contradictions (e.g., a general tax increase versus a reduction in the gambling tax). The tone is formal and direct, seeking to challenge the presenter's arguments through the juxtaposition of guaranteed costs and hypothetical revenue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data shows participation in the first reading of the draft Gambling Tax Act (728 SE) in October 2025. There are no records concerning other appearances or activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is aimed at the government coalition’s policy, which is criticized for making the business environment more difficult via broad tax increases. The criticism is policy-based, emphasizing fiscal inconsistency and the growth of bureaucracy (the creation of six new positions).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data on the collaboration style.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy and international competition (Malta, the global market). There is no specific regional focus within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the need for a competitive business environment and criticize the government's general policy of raising taxes. Fiscal prudence is preferred, contrasting the guaranteed bureaucratic expenditure (€200,000) with the questionable revenue generated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is insufficient data on social issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft bill (728 SE) to amend the Gambling Tax Act. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, focusing on questioning the justification for the proposed tax reduction and the creation of new positions.
2 Speeches Analyzed