Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and to withdraw from all international agreements related to the project" (650 OE)
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political stance centers on a critical evaluation of the Rail Baltic project and the necessity of either terminating it or fundamentally restructuring its financing. The speaker vehemently opposes ill-conceived decisions, particularly those made at the European Union level, and criticizes past governments for failing to conduct adequate analysis regarding the project's feasibility and cost. This position is underpinned by a firm call for financial discipline and common sense, prioritizing an "awful end" over an "endless horror."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding European Union funding mechanisms and the financial planning of infrastructure projects, specifically pointing out shortcomings in multi-period financing. They reference their knowledge of the Rail Baltic cost-benefit analyses presented to the Economic Committee, while simultaneously voicing skepticism about the project's capacity for self-sufficiency. Economic analogies (such as the bank loan example) are used to illustrate financial irresponsibility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and pressing, emphasizing the need for political courage and common sense. The speaker uses appeals to logic, comparing the project's financing to a failed business, and calls for strong pressure on the government. Emotionally charged expressions are used, such as "into an absurd situation" and "the mystical European Union," to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the work of the Riigikogu, referencing their involvement in the Economic Affairs Committee, where the financial data for Rail Baltic has been repeatedly discussed and presentations by the project managers have been heard. They are currently addressing the Riigikogu chamber during the first reading of a significant draft bill, requesting additional time to present their views.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the European Union and its institutions for making ill-conceived decisions, as well as previous Estonian governments and members of the Riigikogu (Parliament). Criticism is leveled at the passive approach taken toward EU directives ("nothing depends on us anyway") and the inability to analyze project costs. The criticism focuses on procedural and financial shortcomings, demanding resistance against "somewhat foolish directives."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of robust regional cooperation, calling on the governments of the three Baltic states to jointly negotiate with the European Union regarding the financing and future of Rail Baltic. He demands that the Baltic states act in unison to prevent a scenario where the others are penalized should one country pull out. He also suggests seeking allies among other EU member states that possess common sense.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed toward the joint activities of the Baltic States and their relationship with the European Union. It is emphasized that the three Baltic States must jointly resolve the project's financing and contractual matters to ensure the project's viability or termination. The international focus rests on the EU as both a financier and a collective body of decision-makers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize strict fiscal discipline and the requirement that major infrastructure projects must be thoroughly planned beforehand and financed using known resources. The speaker is skeptical about Rail Baltic's capacity for self-sufficiency and demands the preparation of a proper business plan. [The speaker] criticizes the use of CO2 funds for infrastructure construction, arguing that this is inconsistent with the goals of the green economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Environmental issues are addressed among the social topics, criticizing the damage to nature caused by the construction of Rail Baltic. A specific contradiction is highlighted: CO2 funds, which are supposed to finance the green economy and climate preservation, are being used instead to build Rail Baltic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (650 OE), which addresses either abandoning the implementation of the Rail Baltic project or restructuring its financing. The speaker supports this initiative, urging the government to make final and economically responsible decisions under pressure from the parliament. The priority is clarifying the contractual obligations and funding arrangements.
2 Speeches Analyzed