By Plenary Sessions: Jaak Aab

The speaker voiced concerns regarding tax hikes, particularly the increase in VAT, stressing its negative effect on people’s ability to make ends meet. He/She supports finding alternative funding sources for national defense to avoid cutting funding for social infrastructure (specifically, the renovation of apartment buildings) and education.

It supports growth in productivity and wage increases, while expressing concern that cheap foreign labor could impede these goals. It emphasizes the importance of economic competitiveness and the necessity of developing industries with higher added value. Furthermore, it advocates for renewable energy as an economically beneficial investment that will ensure cheaper electricity and enhance overall competitiveness.

Supports responsible budgetary policy, where cut plans must be carefully considered. It expresses concern regarding the reallocation of unused EU funds away from the education sector, which underscores the importance of emphasizing educational investments.

The speaker supports market-based solutions in the energy sector, stressing the benefits of fixed tariffs and improved efficiency. He/She recognizes the necessity of investing in grid development and new technologies, while acknowledging the associated transition costs. The approach is pragmatic, considering the interests of both producers and consumers.

Supports the fair distribution of the tax burden between the state and local governments. It emphasizes the need to compensate local authorities for revenue losses resulting from tax exemptions established by the state.

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Supports strengthening the social safety net, stressing the necessity of adjusting the subsistence minimum in line with rising prices. It expresses concern regarding the ability of lower-income individuals to cope in the context of rising prices for food and essential goods.

It accepts the increase in electricity prices (at least 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour) as a necessary cost for ensuring energy security. It supports market mechanisms in the energy sector but recognizes the need for state intervention when securing reserve capacities. It emphasizes that more flexible conditions will result in a lower electricity price in competitive tenders.

It supports public sector investments in human resources, particularly through the salaries of civil servants. It recognizes market dynamics and the necessity of competition between the public and private sectors for skilled labor.

The speaker advocates for a free-market economy but stresses the necessity of robust regulation to guarantee competition. He criticizes monopolistic practices and unreasonably high prices, asserting that fair pricing stems from fair competition. His economic views are social democratic: he supports the market economy but calls for active state intervention to protect consumers and smaller businesses.