Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik

The political position is strongly opposed to the government's 100% renewable energy target by 2030, which is deemed unrealistic and ideological "hurrah-economics," comparing it to the Soviet planned economy. The speaker represents the Isamaa party's proposal to return the targets to a realistic level (at least 42% of total final energy consumption), stressing the necessity of dispatchable energy. The focus is on preserving economic competitiveness, and policy must be realistic, not value-based insanity.

The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise in the field of energy economics, addressing technical aspects such as the ratio of dispatchable and non-dispatchable energy, the network capacity (8–9 TWh), and the cost of storage facilities (battery banks, pumped hydro storage). He uses statistics (e.g., the current renewable energy level of 43%, the EU's CO2 emission of 5.5%) and presents detailed justifications for why the 100% goal is physically impossible when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining. This expertise is also evident in the criticism regarding the calculations for offshore wind farms, where the construction costs of power lines have not been accounted for.

The rhetorical style is sharply critical, skeptical, and ironic, utilizing strong negative emotional language ("insane," "green frenzy," "idiotic laws"). Logical arguments concerning economic competitiveness and physical limitations are interwoven with entertaining elements, such as a Soviet-era anecdote about flying to the Sun. The speaker employs irony (medals, orders/decorations) to mock the idealism of their opponents and is direct, consciously avoiding the 20-minute drawn-out rambling.

The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, participating in the first reading of the draft bill and repeatedly answering questions. He refers to previous participation in coalition negotiations and frequent, intensive discussions within the Economic Affairs Committee, noting that he has "broken quite a few spears" (meaning he has engaged in many heated arguments). He has proposed informal, unrecorded discussions in the committee to find the best solution for the country.

The primary opponents are the Social Democrats (Sotsid), who are blamed for initiating the 100% goal and for their green obsession, and the Reform Party, which faces criticism for its ideological rigidity and unrealistic projects (such as nuclear energy). The critique focuses on policy and procedure, accusing the government of indecisiveness and yielding to pressure from lobby groups. It also broadly criticizes the European Union's "green frenzy" and its unrealistic objectives.

The speaker stresses the necessity of discussing matters of national importance and finding a "golden mean," suggesting informal, cross-party cooperation within the Economic Affairs Committee. He refers to his previous experience in coalition negotiations, where concessions had to be made (for example, regarding the 100% goal for Estonian-language education). However, the current style of cooperation is critical, as he views the coalition as ideologically rigid.

The focus is primarily on national economic competitiveness and international comparisons (the USA, China, the EU, and the Nordic countries). Regionally, they highlighted the Saaremaa offshore wind farm project as a negative example, criticizing the necessary deforestation for the high-voltage power lines. They also mentioned the opposition of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa residents to the offshore wind parks.

The speaker is a strong proponent of the market economy and preserving competitiveness, cautioning that ideologically driven high energy prices will destroy the Estonian economy. He criticizes state subsidies and reverse auctions, which distort the market and lead to overinvestment. He argues that the CO2 charges levied on fossil fuels (oil shale) make the comparison with renewables unfair, and he supports utilizing existing resources.

On social issues, he briefly mentioned the importance of transitioning to Estonian-language education, a priority Isamaa had balanced against the Social Democrats' energy target. He also criticized the outcomes of Swedish social democracy, citing migration-related problems and the criminal element there.

The legislative focus is on supporting the draft Act amending the Organization of the Energy Sector Act (574 SE), the purpose of which is to bring renewable energy targets back from 100% to a realistic level (at least 42% of the total final energy consumption). The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of this amendment, seeking to rectify an error stemming from previous coalition agreements. He/She emphasizes the need to ensure sufficient dispatchable energy.