Session Profile: Mart Maastik
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to centralization and austerity measures that harm life in peripheral regions, citing as examples the threat of closure facing the Hiiumaa Vocational School and the reduction of services at Kuressaare Hospital. The speaker is also critical of the government's plans to raise the alcohol excise duty, referring to previous negative experience that led to cross-border trade and a decrease in state treasury revenues. His framework is strongly value-based and focuses on the regional dimension.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of regional policy, education, and healthcare, citing specific examples related to the programs and student enrollment figures (107, 167) at Hiiumaa Vocational School. In terms of healthcare, the speaker is well-informed about the limitations placed on specialist medical care (such as pacemaker installation and employment opportunities for orthopedists and hematologists), as well as the capacity of hospital equipment, specifically the CT scanner. Furthermore, the speaker possesses knowledge regarding excise policy and its impact on cross-border trade and tourism.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is concerned and persuasive, emphasizing the regional and human dimension of the policy, warning that centralization "will completely kill life in peripheral regions." It uses many concrete, localized examples (the fate of the manor complex, queues for CT scans) and appeals to logic, warning against repeating the same mistake in excise policy ("we are stepping on the same rake twice").
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has actively engaged with local stakeholders, mentioning a meeting with the management of Kuressaare Hospital last week. This indicates regular activity and information gathering taking place on the ground, outside the Riigikogu chamber.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the government's centralizing policies and austerity measures, which are deemed a "very short-sighted decision." Although the speaker begins mildly, stating that they do not believe the minister has bad intentions, they are intensely critical of the policy's failure to consider the regional dimension. There is also opposition to the fiscal policy, which plans tax hikes despite previous negative experience.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Demonstrates a willingness to recognize good legislative proposals, commending one specific bill (on the subject of maritime safety) as "very reasonable." He/She also noted his agreement with the previous speakers' remarks concerning regional policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is exceptionally strong, specifically addressing the issues facing Hiiumaa and Saaremaa (Kuressaare). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of preserving local services (vocational schools, hospitals) and cultural heritage (Suuremõisa Manor). Furthermore, the significant geographical distances to the main centers are pointed out (250 km to Tallinn, 400 km to Tartu).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are skeptical of excise duty increases, as these have previously resulted in reduced state treasury revenues, a drop in cross-border trade, and declining tourism. It favors preserving regional jobs and services at the expense of centralized savings, pointing out that jobs are already scarce as it is.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social problems highlighted is the need for equal access to quality healthcare (the availability of specialist medical care) and education (the preservation of vocational school specialties) in rural areas. The fate of culturally valuable buildings (manor complexes), which are often linked to social institutions, is also a cause for concern.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker primarily operates as a critic of the regional consequences stemming from government policy. He supports the current maritime safety bill but is using the topic as a platform to raise broader questions concerning excise policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed