By Years: Jaanus Karilaid

The speaker is strongly opposed to the proposed tax hikes (the car tax, the tax hump/curve), arguing that they damage competitiveness and exacerbate poverty. He/She stresses the necessity of investing in infrastructure (the road network maintenance deficit exceeds 8 billion euros) and energy capacity to support industrial expansion. He/She criticizes the growing bureaucracy and administrative burden placed on businesses and supports the state holding a majority stake in strategic energy projects (such as a nuclear power plant).

The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax increases during an economic recession, criticizing the car tax, the hike in penalty unit values, and the rising cost of state fees. He stresses the necessity of stimulating the economy through investment and industrial development, drawing a contrast between Estonian policy and Lithuania’s success. The government’s actions are viewed as deteriorating the economic environment and diminishing competitiveness.