Session Profile: Mart Maastik
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing
2025-05-07
Political Position
The political stance focuses on strong criticism regarding the poor organization of ferry traffic and constantly rising ticket prices. The politician urgently demands measures to improve the situation of island residents, emphasizing that the ferry connection is an extension of the highway, and warns that high prices endanger life on the islands. The criticism is directed both at the service provider's profitability and the government's inability to ensure a reliable connection and a new fleet.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the operational issues of ferry traffic, referencing TS Laevad's profit figures (over one million euros) and the condition of the ferry Regula. He knows precisely that Regula cannot dock at the start of the peak season due to ramp construction, and he is fully aware of the delays in the procurement of the fifth vessel and the utopian requirements being set (hydrogen, electricity). This knowledge is also based on committee work and appeals received from local municipalities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is urgent, anxious, and critical, combining personal experiences (three hours spent waiting in line) with hard facts (profit margins, depreciation, and procurement delays). An emotional appeal is employed, stressing that visiting the islands has become more expensive than a week-long vacation in Turkey. The objective is to compel the minister to take action by posing direct questions regarding the quality of the service and future plans.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action patterns include active participation in the Riigikogu's Q&A sessions and committee work, citing the Economic Affairs Committee's meeting with the Director General of the State Fleet. They also maintain contact with local governments, having received an official address from the Hiiumaa Municipal Council. The politician uses their personal experience (waiting in line) to strengthen their political argument.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the service operator TS Laevad, who is accused of maximizing profit at the expense of service quality, and also at the government/ministry. Specific criticism targets procedural failure (the construction of a ramp during peak season) and political incompetence (the delay in procuring a fifth vessel due to utopian environmental requirements). Furthermore, they are criticized for failing to consult with local governments when raising ticket prices.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is demonstrated with local governments, referencing the appeal of the Hiiumaa Municipal Council and using it to support their arguments. This shows a readiness to work with regional stakeholders. Data regarding other inter-party cooperation is unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating on the issues surrounding the ferry connection between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The needs of island residents are highlighted, demanding free transport for them and expressing concern that life on the islands is dying out due to high costs. There is also mention of logging trucks traveling with timber loads during peak hours, which impacts both island residents and visitors.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the priority of service accessibility over profit, criticizing TS Laevad for generating high profits while continuously raising ticket prices. It is warned that these high prices will reduce the number of visitors to the islands and force tourists to rely on motorhome travel, which ultimately damages the local service sector. Support is given for free transport for island residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward ensuring the quality of life and the preservation of communities for island residents, by treating the ferry connection as a vital public service. It is stressed that the accessibility and affordability of this service are directly linked to the opportunities available to island residents and the prevention of depopulation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards accelerating the procurement of new ferries (the fifth vessel) and making its requirements (e.g., hydrogen/electric power) more realistic to ensure the sustainability of the service. Equally important is the regulation of ticket prices and the involvement of local governments in the pricing structure, aimed at preventing unilateral price increases.
2 Speeches Analyzed