Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Continuation of the second reading of the bill (541 SE) amending the Planning Act and other laws (accelerating the adoption of renewable energy).
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s green transition policy, labeling it "green madness," and also opposes the subsidization of accelerated renewable energy (onshore wind farms). The policy aims to prioritize competitive enterprise over subsidized solutions, emphasizing that the current course will lead to an economic crash. The speaker’s position is value-based and forcefully contrasts with the coalition’s policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of energy and economics, addressing production costs (e.g., 25–30 EUR/MWh), the challenges of non-dispatchable energy, and the structure of fixed charges on electricity bills. To support these arguments, reference is made to a report by the Estonian Employers’ Confederation and an international example concerning the power outage in Spain. He/She emphasizes that subsidies make Estonia one of the world’s most expensive electricity producers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, blunt, and at times fatalistic, expressing disappointment that his logical arguments are not being heard ("they won't listen to you anyway"). Strong, emotional terms are employed ("green frenzy," "for these stupidities"), and the appeal is primarily directed at logic and economic consequences (taxpayer expense, loss of competitiveness).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referred to repeated addresses on the same topics (fixed charges, the price of electricity), which demonstrates consistent activity in criticizing energy policy. Specifically, on behalf of the Isamaa Party, he proposed suspending the second reading of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition and the government (including Minister Sutt and the Prime Minister), who are being criticized for illogical and economy-damaging decisions regarding subsidies and tax increases. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, accusing the government of living in a "parallel world." The opposition is absolute, as a proposal has been made to immediately discontinue the processing of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with other political parties is not mentioned; instead, the consistent stance of the Isamaa Party is highlighted, and they cite the Estonian Employers’ Confederation report—which supports the idea of eliminating subsidies—as backing. There is no indication of openness to compromise, as the stated goal is to stop the legislative process for the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national competitiveness and the international context, warning that Estonia is guaranteed to remain one of the most expensive electricity producers in Europe and the world for decades to come. A local topic is also mentioned (kindergarten fees in Tallinn and Estonia), but this is discussed within the context of state finances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly free-market: they oppose subsidizing the energy sector and raising taxes, emphasizing instead the need to stimulate competitive business. They warn that raising taxes and implementing subsidies will lead to an economic crash and deepen the recession, standing firmly against the promise of "free lunches."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The discussion touches upon the abolition of kindergarten fees in Tallinn and Estonia, but this is primarily framed within the context of economic responsibility and replenishing the state treasury. Social issues are cited as an example of the government's unrealistic fiscal policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Bill 541 SE (Act amending the Planning Act and other acts), which aims to accelerate the deployment of onshore wind farms. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, proposing, on behalf of the Isamaa Party, that the second reading be suspended.
2 Speeches Analyzed