Session Profile: Mart Maastik
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
2024-10-16
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to price increases, especially concerning the ferry connection, which is treated as vital infrastructure (an extension of the road). Criticism is directed at the actions of the ministry and the carrier (TS Laevad), who are earning large profits while the situation for island residents and entrepreneurs deteriorates. This position is results-oriented, emphasizing the negative impact of the state’s actions on the local economy and tourism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the economics of the ferry service, specifically pointing out the increase in ticket prices (twofold or more), the carrier (TS Laevad) earning a profit (over one million euros), and the declining trend in Saaremaa tourism. Furthermore, they are up-to-date on the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture's plans concerning the local tax draft bill (the tourism tax).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is concerned and urgent, emphasizing the suffering of the island residents and entrepreneurs, and pointing to empty hotels and tourist farms. Both logical arguments (the ferry as an extension of the road, not a convenience service) and emotional comparisons (it is cheaper to go to Greece than to Saaremaa) are utilized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity indicates active participation in the Riigikogu information session, focusing on the oversight of government operations. The speaker references recent events (the Saaremaa rally last weekend) and information obtained from local residents (rumors that the ministry is planning yet another ticket price hike).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the ministry and the government over plans to raise ticket prices and allowing the carrier to generate profit, actions that will worsen the economic situation of island residents. The opposition is based on both policy and results, emphasizing that the state should guarantee the affordability of this vital service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker proposes a cooperation mechanism with local municipalities, intending to direct the ferry operator's profit toward them for tourism development. This demonstrates a readiness to support local governments, provided the state modifies the terms of the next procurement competition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating specifically on Estonia's major islands (especially Saaremaa) and their vital connection to the mainland. There is an emphasis on local issues, such as the drop in tourism, the concerns of local businesses, and the high cost of living on the islands.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of keeping infrastructure costs low to support the local economy and tourism. The text criticizes the profits generated by the state-owned enterprise (TS Laevad) that fail to flow back into the local economy, and supports directing those profits to local municipalities for economic development.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on a draft bill, set to be finalized early next year, regarding the introduction of local taxes (a tourism tax). The primary priority, however, is amending the terms of the next ferry procurement tender to ensure that the carrier's profits are shared with local municipalities.
2 Speeches Analyzed