By Plenary Sessions: Raimond Kaljulaid

The speakers are strongly opposed to tax cuts for the wealthiest segment of society and support increasing government spending to raise the wages of frontline workers. They see a clear link between the state’s revenue and expenditure decisions and emphasize the need to use fiscal policy to support low- and middle-income workers, rather than managers and top specialists.

It is acknowledged that the draft law will have an economic impact on businesses in the construction and real estate development sectors, resulting in additional work and costs. Nevertheless, it is stressed that these changes are necessitated by security risks, and safety and the saving of human lives outweigh economic interests.

The development of the Estonian defense industry is strongly supported by reducing regulations and encouraging investments, as this is seen both as an economic benefit and an integral part of national defense. The government's inaction is being criticized, which, according to Taavi Veskimägi, has led to the loss of investments.

Economic perspectives are heavily focused on protecting economic growth and maintaining productivity. The speaker is concerned that adding extra days off and reducing the overall workload will inhibit the economy, thereby calling into question the economic viability of expanding social benefits.

The economic outlook centers on stricter control over national defense expenditure and fiscal discipline. The speaker stresses that incorrect advance payments and accounting errors generate real costs for the state, specifically through borrowing and interest payments, given that the Estonian budget is running a significant deficit. While the development of the defense industry is supported, there is criticism regarding the state's sluggishness and the resulting lost business opportunities in this sector.

Economic perspectives favor applying private sector performance management principles (key performance indicators, metrics) to public governance, particularly in the management of regional development. While arguments concerning labor shortages are acknowledged, strong emphasis is placed on the long-term socio-economic cost of large-scale immigration, suggesting caution regarding economic growth based solely on imported labor.

The economic focus is directed toward the efficiency and propriety of state spending, especially concerning the large sums allocated to the defense sector. It emphasizes the damage caused by lost investment opportunities (citing the defense industry park as an example) and demands a fair competitive environment, referencing suspicions regarding the buying of legislation.