Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE) - third reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on energy policy and opposing new taxes, especially the introduction of the island grid fee, which is considered yet another tax on consumers. The speaker strongly opposes the government's "green frenzy" and energy policy based on subsidies, stressing the importance of a competitive electricity price. The Isamaa party does not support this bill, as it increases the burden on consumers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep technical expertise in the energy sector, utilizing precise terminology such as island operation, controllable reserve capacity (1000 MW), and the CO2 quota system. He/She presents concrete cost figures (35 million euros annually, 3–5 billion in subsidies) and proposes alternative infrastructure solutions, for instance, concerning the route of the fourth Estonia-Latvia interconnection.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is highly critical and combative in tone, employing emotionally charged and damning phrases such as "green madness," "reckless policy," and "utter nonsense." The speaker leans heavily on economic arguments and technical details, while simultaneously utilizing sarcasm to criticize government policy and consumer taxation (referring to consumers as the "new cash cow").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed squarely at the government and the prime minister, who stand accused of reneging on the pledge of tax stability and pursuing a reckless energy policy. The Minister of Climate is also facing criticism for justifying the taxation of consumers. The critique is sharp and policy-driven, accusing the government of driving the country into a corner and funding the Rail Baltic project using CO2 funds.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker clearly states the Isamaa party's opposition to the draft bill and the imposition of new taxes. Information regarding cooperation or readiness for compromise with other parties is absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy policy, but specific regional projects are mentioned, such as the energy storage facility in Paldiski. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring the supply of the major islands via the alternative electricity grid connection route (Haapsalu, Hiiumaa, Leisi), offering a cheaper solution compared to the connection routed through Saaremaa.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly opposes the extremely expensive, subsidy-based energy policy and new taxes (like the island operation fee), which demands billions of euros in support. He emphasizes the importance of a competitive economic environment, arguing that the high price of electricity (the most expensive in Europe) prevents industrial investments from coming to Estonia. He criticizes Elering's expenditures and demands greater responsibility from the grid operator for bearing costs.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft amendment to the Electricity Market Act (Bill 555 SE), which involves establishing a fee for island operation to procure 1000 MW of controllable reserve capacity. More broadly, criticism is directed at the government’s long-term energy plan and the associated subsidy mechanisms, which are leading to the phasing out of oil shale energy.
1 Speeches Analyzed