Session Profile: Mart Maastik
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-14
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong opposition to the government's draft bill concerning the Public Transport Act. The main points of criticism include the removal of photographs from service provider cards, which the speaker believes increases risks, and the failure to grant local authorities the right to conduct control transactions against platform service providers. This position is aimed at ensuring fair competition and criticizing the government for its bureaucracy and political indifference.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the regulations of the Public Transport Act, focusing on service provider cards, registry systems (the Public Transport Register versus the Register of Economic Activities), and the mechanisms for exercising supervision. In their arguments, they rely on the proposals of the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities and emphasize the necessity of granting the right to conduct control transactions concerning platform service providers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, questioning, and at times accusatory, calling into question the minister's assertions regarding the urgency of the draft bill and the ministry's competence. Rhetorical questions are employed ("What is so complicated about this?") alongside allusions to political bias, which suggests preferential treatment for supporters of the ruling parties. The overall tone is formal, yet direct and concerned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session of the Riigikogu during the debate on the draft bill, posing repeated questions to the minister and summarizing the discussions held by the Economic Affairs Committee. He/She promises to submit relevant amendments on behalf of the Isamaa party, which demonstrates active involvement in the legislative process.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the government and the minister, specifically faulting the procedural inefficiency and political bias involved in processing the draft legislation. The speaker suggests that the political parties currently in power are not interested in strengthening oversight because it concerns their supporters (platform service providers), which is why straightforward solutions are delayed for years.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach centers on external partnerships, offering strong support for the proposals put forth by the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities regarding the expansion of supervisory rights for local governments. The speaker is acting on behalf of the Isamaa party, promising to introduce amendments, which signals a readiness for parliamentary group activity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation, but significant emphasis is placed on expanding the capacity and rights of local municipalities. The speaker supports granting local government law enforcement units the right to conduct control transactions so that they can fulfill the supervisory function assigned to them.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints emphasize the need to ensure fair competition and transparent service provision within the platform economy. Criticism is directed at a system that may favor platform service providers and allow them to evade adequate oversight, which is detrimental to other market participants.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed are public safety and risk reduction in public transport. The removal of photographs from employee ID cards is considered a factor that increases risks, as it complicates the identification and verification of the driver, and may jeopardize the transparency of the service.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amendments to the Public Transport Act, where the speaker is a strong supporter of granting local governments the right to conduct control transactions. He/She opposes the part of the draft bill concerning the removal of photos from service provider cards, promising that the Isamaa party will submit amendments against it. He/She also criticizes the ministry's inability to consolidate related issues into a single draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed