Session Profile: Mart Maastik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
2024-02-05
Political Position
The politician strongly opposes the government's tax hike policy (VAT, car tax, fuel excise duty), viewing it as an inhibitor of economic growth and a factor increasing the burden on entrepreneurs. The primary framework is results-oriented, emphasizing the necessity of streamlining state finances through expenditure reduction, rather than increasing taxation. He also voices concern regarding the demographic crisis and the survival of the nation, while opposing the increase of the foreign labor quota.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the tourism sector, especially concerning small businesses in peripheral regions. They highlight the effects of seasonality and rising input costs (ferry tickets, fuel). They utilize concrete data (the number of overnight stays in Saaremaa in 2022, potential lost revenue of €666,000) and economic concepts like the shadow economy and the phenomenon of 'excise tourism' (driving to Latvia for cheaper excise goods). Furthermore, they possess personal experience running a tourism farm on Saaremaa.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, urgent, and concerned, employing strong metaphors, such as comparing the government's fiscal policy to Münchhausen pulling himself out of a swamp. He uses both logical arguments (the effect of taxes on the shadow economy) and emotional appeals ("let's not kill entrepreneurs"). The speaker is formal, addressing the Prime Minister respectfully, but presents their views pointedly.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session of the Riigikogu, addressing several questions and comments to the Prime Minister regarding economic and social policy. They are utilizing their allotted speaking time to the maximum, repeatedly requesting extensions, which suggests a strong desire to thoroughly elaborate on their positions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the coalition led by the Reform Party and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, accusing them of making poor economic decisions that are driving the economy into recession. The criticism is policy-driven, focusing on the negative impact of tax increases (VAT, car tax) and the inefficient management of state finances. They also criticize the government for failing to take out a loan for national defense expenditures, choosing instead to burden citizens with taxes and forcing them to hold multiple jobs.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supportively references the arguments made by other colleagues (Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Mart, Varro Vooglaid) regarding the tourism tax and boosting domestic tourism, demonstrating a willingness to support the opposition's shared positions. He/She invites the Prime Minister to visit his/her tourism farm to speak with Saaremaa entrepreneurs, which indicates a desire for dialogue, despite the sharp criticism.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, emphasizing the challenges faced by tourism businesses in peripheral areas and on Saaremaa. He/She points out specific regional cost drivers, such as the increase in ferry ticket prices and the need to transport goods over long distances, which make the proposed car tax particularly burdensome in peripheral regions. He/She stresses the necessity of protecting the revenue streams of local governments in peripheral areas.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly pro-business, opposing tax hikes as a method for increasing revenue. He argues that they stifle the economy and encourage the shadow economy. He advocates for cutting state spending and suggests taking out a targeted loan specifically for national defense, pointing out that smart countries do this during times of inflation. He emphasizes that economic management must be wise, not just a matter of patching holes.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker raises the issue of the demographic crisis and expresses concern about the survival of the nation over the next 50 years. He/She is strongly opposed to multiplying the quota for foreign labor, fearing that this would endanger the Estonian language and culture, considering the large number of foreigners who have already entered the country.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker primarily takes on the role of an opponent, focusing on the government’s proposed tax legislation (the VAT increase on accommodation, the car tax) and plans to raise the foreign labor quota. He/She stresses that such laws have been drafted without adequate analysis, citing the negative impact of the alcohol excise tax hike as a prime example.
5 Speeches Analyzed