Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Ferry connections to the major islands
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of the ferry service, demanding immediate action from the minister. The speaker stresses that the ferry link is an extension of the mainland highway for island residents, and criticizes the continuous raising of ticket prices and the long queues. This stance is heavily results-oriented, focusing on failures in service provision and ensuring the long-term viability of the island residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of ferry traffic management, referencing the operator's (TS Laevad) profit figures (exceeding one million euros) and the technical condition of the vessels (the depreciation of Regula and the construction of the ramps). This knowledge is supported by institutional sources, specifically mentioning the appeal made by the Hiiumaa Municipal Council and the report presented by the Director General of the State Fleet to the Economic Affairs Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent and critical, emphasizing the severity of the problem through personal experiences (three hours spent waiting in line) and emotional comparisons (it is cheaper to fly to Turkey than to travel to Saaremaa). Logical arguments are employed (profit versus quality of service), and direct questions are posed to the minister, all while maintaining a formal tone of address.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is a prolific submitter of parliamentary questions, focusing their efforts directly on the new minister and demanding concrete plans. This pattern demonstrates consistent and targeted engagement with infrastructure issues, staying informed about both the appeals made by local governments and the debates within the Economic Affairs Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government's inaction and inefficiency, particularly regarding the drawn-out procurement of a new vessel and the poorly timed repair of the Regula (during peak season). Furthermore, the operator TS Laevad is criticized for generating significant profits while the quality of service declines. The criticism is primarily procedural and political, demanding improved management.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is aimed at representing the concerns of local governments (specifically the Hiiumaa Rural Municipality Council) and supporting their appeals at the Riigikogu (Parliament) level. Reference is also made to work within the Economic Affairs Committee, where information is gathered from the leaders of the state fleet. Data concerning inter-party cooperation is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating on the issues faced by residents and visitors of the major islands (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa). The objective is to ensure that life continues on the islands and to prevent their economic demise due to poor connectivity and high prices.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support resident-focused subsidization (free transport) to ensure regional viability and revitalize tourism. Criticism is directed at the operator’s large profits made at the expense of public service, and there is resistance to utopian technological demands (hydrogen/electric) which prevent the timely procurement of necessary infrastructure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the quality of life and demographic sustainability of island communities. The speaker warns that high transport costs and poor service threaten life on the islands, emphasizing the need to guarantee residents basic freedom of movement and the ability to plan their lives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward overseeing infrastructure procurement and and regulation, specifically accelerating the process of ordering a fifth ferry to prevent the existing fleet from becoming obsolete. There is also a requirement to discuss raising ticket prices with local municipalities, which signals an intent to regulate the service's pricing.
2 Speeches Analyzed