Session Profile: Mart Maastik
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on resisting the government's tax increases (especially the car tax), which are viewed as cheating voters and undermining the economy's competitiveness. The political framework is defined by a forceful demand for statesmanship and transparency, criticizing the work of the parliament as a "farce" and demanding answers to crucial questions. The main themes are reducing the tax burden, energy policy, and consumer protection.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the legal field by presenting a draft bill to amend the Code of Civil Procedure concerning the possibilities for submitting an application for the reopening of proceedings. Furthermore, the speaker is competent in matters of telecommunications and energy policy, having submitted detailed inquiries regarding the cross-use of fiber optic cables, the efficiency of the Competition Authority, and managed energy volumes and price forecasts for 2035.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is predominantly formal and procedural, especially when introducing bills and parliamentary inquiries, but becomes critical and occasionally sarcastic when criticizing the government's actions and the organization of parliamentary work. He employs sharp phrases ("a grand deception of voters," "a farce") and appeals to logic and statesmanship, demanding an end to time-wasting.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in proposing legislative initiatives, concentrating on formal inquiries (interpellations) and introducing bills related to economics, legal affairs, and consumer protection. His/Her appearances are tied to specific agenda items, during which he/she either criticizes the government or tables new legislation. He/She also refers to himself/herself as a "young politician."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed straight at the Government of the Republic and the coalition parties (the Reform Party, Estonia 200), accusing them of breaking election promises and pursuing foolish policies (the car tax). The criticism is primarily policy-based (tax hikes, weakening energy security) and procedural (failure to receive answers, wasting time), demanding the withdrawal of the draft legislation and a proper debate.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The representative demonstrates strong cooperation within the faction, having co-signed several interpellations alongside Helir-Valdor Seeder, Riina Solman, and others. He/She is open to procedural cooperation—for instance, offering to provide a missing signature in support of a draft bill—but insists on a serious discussion with the coalition.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker stresses the negative impact of the car tax on residents in rural areas, where a vehicle is essential due to the sparse public transport system. Furthermore, he focuses on state investments in the telecommunications sector to ensure the availability of the fiber optic network, so that the benefits reach more people and businesses "across Estonia."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, stressing the necessity of keeping the tax burden low to preserve corporate competitiveness. He criticizes the government's handling of the economic downturn and demands a reduction in bureaucracy, pointing specifically to the significant costs that sustainability reports impose on businesses. Furthermore, he calls for consumer protection concerning the pricing of telecommunications services.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, emphasis is placed on the economic security of families with children, especially in rural areas where the car tax hits them particularly hard. The focus is on family livelihood and transportation needs.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priorities include withdrawing the draft motor vehicle tax bill and amending the Code of Civil Procedure to broaden the possibilities for filing a petition for review. He/She utilizes parliamentary interpellations to demand clarity and concrete measures from the government regarding telecommunications and energy policy, and initiates proposals aimed at reducing bureaucracy (e.g., sustainability reports).
10 Speeches Analyzed