Session Profile: Mart Maastik
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-05-14
Political Position
Strong opposition to the climate and energy policies of the government and the European Union, which are viewed as economically damaging "climate hysteria" and "madness." It supports traditional family values and opposes gender quotas in publicly listed companies, stressing economic competitiveness and national sustainability. The political framework is value-based, focusing critically on the impact of the government’s long-term poor decisions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates a profound understanding of the technical and economic facets of the energy market, explaining that the true cost price of intermittent energy sources (wind, solar) is inflated by grid fees, renewable energy charges, and frequency maintenance fees. The speaker utilizes arguments regarding atmospheric CO2 concentration (0.035–0.04%) to cast doubt on the extent of anthropogenic influence. Furthermore, they are proficient in matters concerning the compensation for restrictions on private property and the establishment of security and confidence.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, critical, and forceful, utilizing strong metaphors (e.g., "a speeding train heading toward the abyss") and accusing opponents of utopian ideas and brainwashing. It appeals to both logic (economic competitiveness) and emotion (the extinction of the nation, valuing mothers). It makes frequent use of rhetorical questions and direct appeals to colleagues and the public.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active during the plenary session, delivering several lengthy statements and questions over two consecutive days, focusing on energy policy, gender quotas, and property issues. Requested additional time (an extra 5 minutes added to the standard 20 minutes) for the discussion of extremely important draft legislation.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition parties and the Social Democrats, who are accused of making foolish and socialist decisions. Criticism is directed at specific politicians (Mario Kadastik, Hanah Lahe, Kristina Kallas) and their ideological stances (climate hysteria, gender quotas, Western absurdities). The opponents’ policies are considered destructive to the competitiveness of the Estonian economy.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperates with the opposition, praising Rain Epler (EKRE) for a good and intelligent overview, and supporting EKRE's bill to request the abandonment of CO2 quotas. Initiates the formation of a Parliamentary investigative committee to scrutinize the actions of the executive branch. Shows no openness to compromise with the coalition.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national energy policy but introduces specific regional examples from Saaremaa. It criticizes the continuation of the special spatial plans for Saaremaa and the Gulf of Riga for the construction of power lines for offshore wind farms, and defends the honor of the Saaremaa islanders regarding the size of their cows, emphasizing the need for agricultural subsidies.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly supports the market economy and competitiveness, while opposing state subsidies (specifically for offshore wind farms) and gender quotas in private enterprise, labeling these as socialist measures. Furthermore, it demands that energy prices be maintained at a competitive level and stresses the importance of ensuring private property rights and providing fair compensation in the event of state-imposed restrictions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Opposes gender quotas, arguing that they devalue women and conflict with the market economy. It emphasizes traditional family values (man and woman) and the valuing of motherhood as the driver of the nation, while criticizing the overemphasis on career and Western progressive gender theories.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on government oversight and changing energy policy. It supports EKRE's draft bill aimed at eliminating CO2 quotas and will initiate the formation of a Riigikogu (Parliamentary) investigative committee to look into the circumstances surrounding the subsidization of offshore wind farm construction.
17 Speeches Analyzed