Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Draft law amending the Securities Market Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (588 SE) – second reading
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is firmly against introducing gender quotas in publicly traded companies, deeming it socialist and contrary to the market economy. The speaker stresses a value-based approach, prioritizing competence and the traditional family model (man and woman) as the basis for the sustainability of the nation-state. He views the current debate as a waste of Riigikogu time, arguing that there are far more critical matters, such as the falling birth rate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the practical implications of the draft legislation, citing the number of Estonian listed companies (32, 20 of which are on the main list) and the typical composition of their boards (3–5 members). They employ economic terminology, contrasting private enterprise and the market economy with socialist approaches (quotas).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and passionate, employing strong emotional appeals, particularly by accusing opponents of devaluing women and mothers. The speaker uses direct value judgments ("stupid bills," "absurdity") and repeatedly poses rhetorical questions, appealing to common sense. He contrasts his views with "political ideology imported from the West" and propaganda.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered late in the evening during the Riigikogu session ("It is already half past nine"), specifically during the second reading of the draft Securities Market Act. Other data regarding the frequency of speaking or activity patterns are unavailable.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition, especially the Social Democrats and their fellow travelers, who are accused of imposing socialist methods. The criticism is ideological and intense, accusing the opponents of denigrating women and spreading political propaganda to capture voters. The speaker rules out supporting the bill.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data missing.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national topics (Estonian listed companies, the sustainability and demographic growth of the nation-state) as well as international ideological influence. The speaker sharply criticizes the political ideology and "absurdity" coming from "the West."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports the market economy and the freedom of private enterprise, opposing state intervention in the form of quotas. He emphasizes that the selection of management must be based on competence, knowledge, and experience, rather than gender regulation. The establishment of quotas is considered a socialist measure.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social issues, the speaker is a strong defender of traditional family values, emphasizing the family model (man and woman) as the foundation for both birth rates and the sustainability of the nation-state. He sharply criticizes the ideology of gender equality, which he believes devalues women in their role as mothers and instead promotes a career-centric model. The speaker also ridicules progressive viewpoints concerning the number of genders.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the draft amendment to the Securities Market Act (588 SE), which concerns the introduction of gender quotas on the boards of listed companies. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, considering it foolish and not conducive to the country's development.
5 Speeches Analyzed