By Months: Lauri Laats

Supports social redistribution, emphasizing that the 33 million euro pension benefit is affordable for the state and will stimulate domestic consumption, since the money returns to circulation. The government is criticized for maintaining bureaucracy (RIA, Statistics Estonia, MTA IT development) at the expense of supporting the elderly. It is deemed important that the state intervenes if local municipalities fail to guarantee the support.

Economic views are strongly opposed to the car tax and the registration fee, arguing that they have caused the car market to stall and damaged the business environment. We support a more socially sensitive tax policy, specifically demanding a reduction in VAT on foodstuffs to improve people's livelihoods, and the implementation of a bank tax to help fill the state budget. It is emphasized that the state's priority must be the individual citizen, not the collection of taxes at any cost.

The central critique in economic policy focuses on tax hikes and consumption taxes, emphasizing the need to stimulate youth employment through tax incentives. Recommendations include extending the social tax exemption to young people (up to 19–20 years old) and reducing the 20% contribution requirement for health insurance. The text highlights the growth in rent and housing costs and the necessity of facilitating loan refinancing and reforming real estate valuation to make housing costs more affordable. It demonstrates an effort to promote entrepreneurship and develop measures to revitalize the economic environment.

In the economic context, the primary source of criticism stems from the impact of tax policy and inflation. There is a preference for reassessing consumption taxes and the taxation of foodstuffs, resolving the "tax hump" issue, and reforming the tax and expenditure structure in order to reduce the burden on low and middle-income individuals. This stance is simultaneously balanced by criticism directed at green policy and energy investments. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of investing in high technology, higher education, and regional economic growth.

Critical and questioning regarding economic policy: opposing major increases in VAT and other consumption taxes, advocating for a review of the tax system based on IMF recommendations, and emphasizing the protection of purchasing power and average income. Fighting against heavy tax burdens and highlighting alternative financing options and funding priorities for the energy sector (e.g., a balanced approach between the green transition and oil shale).

Economic perspective: critical tax policy (anti-car tax rhetoric, criticism of the tax bulge), bills supporting the reduction of VAT on foodstuffs; encourages increased competition (banks, loans) and the balancing of the state budget; emphasizes a pragmatic fiscal policy, which the coalition has failed to follow.

In terms of economics and taxation, the text outlines criticism regarding the government’s tax cuts and tax increases, and, more broadly, their impact on people's livelihoods and the overall economy. They stress that numerous taxes (car tax, VAT, income tax, fuel and electricity excises) and rising prices exacerbate poverty and diminish purchasing power. Concurrently, there is a call for expenditure cuts and a reduction in the size of the public sector. The preferred approach is to stimulate economic growth through transparent and sensible fiscal policy.

Economic policy centers on consumer protection and tax transparency: there is criticism regarding the bank tax, but simultaneously, the necessity of economically sound solutions and securing affordable electricity is stressed. The reduction of VAT on foodstuffs is highlighted, while the broader increases in VAT and income tax are criticized. Energy policy emphasizes ensuring adequate consumer pricing and prudent investment, proposing alternatives to ENMAK and drawing comparisons with international practices (Lithuania, Finland).

Criticism in economic policy regarding taxes and expenditures: contradictory positions on raising taxes and granting tax exemptions; criticism of the 100 million euro funding for the development of gas power plants; discussion about lowering the VAT on non-essential goods and foodstuffs; changes in sick leave compensation rates and 49.3 million in additional budget expenditures, along with indirect effects on GDP. General understanding: the economy is expected to grow better if sick days are managed and employee health improves; however, there is criticism regarding the impact of the government's growth and tax changes, which are intended to strengthen business investment and consumption.