Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Interpellation regarding the abolition of the special VAT rate for accommodation establishments (No. 289)
2024-02-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to tax increases (VAT, car tax, fuel excise duty), viewing them as detrimental to economic growth and unsustainable. It supports cutting state expenditures and financing national defense through a targeted loan, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens. It asserts that it joined Isamaa specifically to make the right decisions, in contrast to previous wrong decisions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise regarding the tourism sector, particularly small businesses and seasonality in peripheral regions, citing examples from Saaremaa and Pärnu. They use specific figures (the number of overnight stays in Saaremaa, lost revenue of 666,000 euros) and economic consequences (the risk of a shadow economy, the migration of excise duties to Latvia) to support their arguments. They also emphasize the impact of input costs and inflation on business operations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and cautionary, employing strong metaphors (Münchhausen lifting himself out of the bog) and personal examples (his/her own tourist farm). It appeals both to logic (economic losses, the shadow economy) and to emotions, calling for management based on "good stewardship" and urging authorities not to "kill" entrepreneurs. The tone is formal, yet it includes direct addresses to the Prime Minister.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She mentions his/her previous work as an entrepreneur, specifically running a small tourist farm on Saaremaa and, at one point, operating the Kuursaal (historic resort hall) in Pärnu. He/She invites the Prime Minister to visit Saaremaa so that they can discuss these topics further with local tourism entrepreneurs there.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the coalition, who are being criticized for their ineffective method of streamlining state finances, which involves raising taxes at the expense of entrepreneurs and the public. The criticism is intense and policy-based, accusing the government of lacking sustainability and failing to conduct necessary analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Refers to the arguments of their colleagues (Mart, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Varro Vooglaid), demonstrating cooperation with fellow opposition members. Offers the Prime Minister an opportunity to come to Saaremaa to discuss the topic with local entrepreneurs, referencing previous personal contact.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, stressing the detrimental impact of tax hikes on peripheral regions and local municipalities. Saaremaa serves as the prime example, where specific tourism data, the rise in ferry ticket prices, and the logistical challenges faced by tourism operators working in remote areas are all highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly pro-business and oppose tax increases, stressing that revenues can only be boosted through economic growth, not by adding burdens. It calls for a reduction in state operating costs and supports taking out targeted loans for national defense, citing the favorable effect of inflation on the debt burden. It warns against the rise of the shadow economy resulting from tax hikes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the opposition to the government's proposed tax increases, specifically targeting the abolition of the reduced VAT rate for accommodation services and the proposed car tax bill. This opposition stresses the critical need for thorough analysis before any laws are adopted, citing the negative repercussions experienced after the increase in alcohol excise duty.
4 Speeches Analyzed