By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Laats

The chosen economic policy centers on protecting domestic production and ensuring food security; it advocates for state intervention among producers and intends to resist imports and foreign competition. As demonstrated by the 42% rise in food prices and the 40% import rate, there is an emphasized need to secure Estonia’s energy production and food reserves by 2030. Regarding the opposition to car or tax incentives—the policy does not support a car tax and seeks solutions for potential tax liabilities. The focus is distributed: achieving economic growth alongside social protection through managing consumer prices and guaranteeing food security.

At the core of these economic attitudes is the fear of tax-induced inflation and strong criticism of recent tax changes. The text emphasizes the necessity of focusing on labor availability through training and retraining, favoring the utilization of the domestic workforce over increasing the reliance on labor brought in from abroad. It also highlights the negative impact on immigration levels and underscores that the government's tax hikes are insufficiently effective in curbing inflation.

Economically pragmatic and centered on consumer price protection: it is recognized that the green transition will increase the price per kilowatt-hour, necessitating practical solutions to ensure a cheaper and secure supply. We support the acceleration of onshore capacity and immediate grid operations, alongside the development of international connections, often without excessive subsidies. Priority is given to maintaining competitiveness, controlling consumer prices, and ensuring the effective utilization of state investments.

The position on economic policy is critical and controversial: it condemns the expansion of consumption taxes, emphasizing that they raise price levels and disproportionately affect low- and middle-wage earners. It advocates for a bank tax as a fair contribution and stresses the need to avoid general tax burdens that deepen poverty. Regarding historical changes to the tax arrangement, it underlines the importance of balancing social expenditure and the overall tax structure.