Session Profile: Jaak Aab

The political stance is strongly focused on boosting the competitiveness of the Estonian economy and increasing business confidence, explicitly linking this goal to security policy stability. He/She criticizes the government’s communication (especially concerning the security levy) for dishonesty and excessive fear-mongering, demanding a more balanced message that emphasizes the nation’s strength. Furthermore, he/she sharply opposes the short-sighted cuts to healthcare spending, deeming them detrimental to the future. The overall framework is policy- and results-driven, centering on long-term stability and the reduction of bureaucracy.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in economic policy, regional development, and national defense financing, citing examples of Lithuanian defense spending (4% and 5% of GDP). He uses technical terminology (e.g., "regional coefficient," "corporate income tax on dividends") and emphasizes the need to analyze the long-term economic costs of bureaucracy and healthcare, arguing that the lack of timely medical care costs billions. He is also familiar with the support measures offered by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EISA) and the issues associated with them.

The rhetorical style is analytical, appropriately critical, and concerned, emphasizing the need for faster and better solutions to spur economic recovery. The speaker employs logical arguments, drawing on external examples (Lithuania) and personal experience gained in government cabinets, to highlight the links between security and the economy. He urges politicians to maintain balance in their communication and avoid going "over the top" with fear-mongering.

The speech was delivered at a plenary session, addressing a member of the board of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundation, and referencing their previous work on the Economic Affairs Committee and in the government. The speaker referenced their earlier activities as a minister, during which they attempted to reform the system for financing local governments. They are familiar with the work of the Competitiveness Expert Council.

The criticism is directed at the government’s communication and fiscal policy. Specifically, the government is criticized for dishonesty in explaining the objectives of the security tax (filling the budget deficit) and for using excessive fear-mongering to justify political steps. The size of the bureaucracy and the fragmentation of support measures are also criticized.

The speaker demonstrates inter-institutional cooperation by supporting the activities of the Foundation for Enterprise and Innovation and acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry of Education. He refers to previous cooperation within the government in creating the large investment measure and the Competitiveness Expert Group established under the leadership of the Economic Affairs Committee. He is open to solutions that have been proposed by the Bank of Estonia.

The regional focus is strong, emphasizing the need to develop the economy outside of Tallinn, Harju County, and the Tartu region, where the amount of support for large investments is slightly higher. Specifically, they are proposing the use of a regional coefficient to incentivize local governments to create jobs, citing the contrast between Võru (five euros) and Tallinn (one euro) as an example.

Economic views are pro-business, calling for reduced bureaucracy and increased flexibility in support measures to ensure they have a greater scope. Emphasis is placed on the importance of investment certainty and the necessity of fiscal discipline, warning against the risks associated with a large budget deficit, which could result in even steeper tax hikes. It supports funding national defense, even if it requires tax increases, provided this action builds confidence, and advocates for tax system amendments that foster regional economic development.

Within the social sector, the focus is placed on healthcare, which is viewed as a key prerequisite for economic competitiveness. There is opposition to cutting healthcare expenditures and raising co-payment costs, as this severely damages the health of the labor force and will result in future economic costs reaching billions. In education, support is given to increasing the proportion of vocational education (60% enrollment in vocational schools), following Finland's model, in order to solve the engineer shortage problem.

The legislative focus is currently aimed at reducing bureaucracy in business subsidies and streamlining the Planning Act, specifically addressing the "relics of time" (outdated provisions) within it. Furthermore, an amendment is being proposed that would allocate a portion of corporate income tax (specifically from dividends) to local governments, based on the number of jobs created and a regional coefficient.