By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Laats

The economic outlook emphasizes a better distribution of consumption taxes and the overall tax burden, and at least a broader contribution to alleviating poverty. The draft legislation includes lowering the VAT on food, taxing banks and digital advertising, and directing funding toward youth extracurricular activities. There are also proposals concerning the tax package and tax reform, along with the need to find additional funds from various sources to reduce the pressure on the lowest earners.

Not enough data

The economically prudent view: the economic situation is poor and investments carry risk; onshore wind farms are cheaper to build than offshore ones, which affects the final price. He emphasizes that support must be economically justified, and complex subsidization plans can catch companies off guard, which is why a clear and consistent economic impact assessment is needed. He views economically sustainable growth and energy production efficiency as the starting point for the green transition.

Economic Focus: There is a desire to increase social benefits and support for household sustenance, and criticism is leveled against the taxation of pensions, which is linked to the government breaking its promises. The necessity of securing greater funding and utilizing European resources for the renovation of the housing stock is highlighted. The transparency of the funding plans and their alignment with the state budget are praised. However, critical views are voiced regarding guidelines that could increase the burden on the populace (e.g., income tax on pensions).

Supports sanctions against Russia, viewing them as part of economic and political effectiveness, but stresses that asset confiscation must not occur without EU-level coordination and may lead to additional expenditures in the form of legal and administrative costs. It highlights that economic measures must be implemented in accordance with the law and in coordination with allies.

He/She emphasizes that the increase in ETO (Emergency Stock Obligation/Operational Burden) and additional obligations might come at the expense of corporate investments, potentially affecting their competitiveness. He/She stresses the need for state aid and the possibility of the state assuming these obligations to ensure the readiness of reserves and post-crisis economic stability. This reflects the importance of crisis management and security of supply within the economic sector.

Not enough data

The argument, from an economic standpoint, favors implementing a temporary bank tax—justified by criticizing bank profits and the impact of Euribor—in order to support the economy. It seeks to avoid the widespread introduction of a car tax and broad tax reforms, emphasizing that a significant portion of the revenue should come from banks. This approach demonstrates a willingness to use fiscal policy as a stimulus for society, focusing on refunding money on loans and closing budgetary gaps via the banking sector.

We don't have enough data for this period; economic policy issues are not the main topic of discussion.

More concisely: It is stressed that additional taxes (such as those on sugary drinks and alcohol excises, etc.) increase consumption taxes and disproportionately burden low-income individuals. The preferred approach is policy that protects the economy and consumer affordability, coupled with investments in prevention and sports, which are seen as a cheaper and more effective strategy for public health. Finally, emphasis is placed on reviewing tax revenue forecasts and maintaining realistic expectations.