By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Laats

The prevailing view in the economic sphere is that raising taxes harms consumption and the economy and is a controversial means of covering the budget deficit. They advocate for a sustainable policy that protects the middle class and consumers, and for covering the budget through means other than tax increases; it is recommended to utilize European structural funds and direct additional resources towards security. Support is given to maintaining a minimal or reasonable tax burden and preserving the middle class's standard of living to facilitate investment.

The linguistic focus is on tax changes and budget balance. It supports structural reform of the tax system, emphasizing a fairer tax burden and the taxation of capital, assets, and high dividend income, rather than consumption taxes. He/She stresses that consumption taxes (which constitute a large portion of tax revenue) can disproportionately burden the poor. Therefore, reforms are necessary to ensure a progressive and sustainable tax system and the state’s financial stability even beyond 2026.

Economic viewpoints are segmented: the continued rigidity of tax policy and the growing tax burden (income tax at 24%, VAT at 24% starting July 1st) are under criticism. At the same time, the necessity of contributing within a framework of solidarity is highlighted, and the discussion includes mention of the possibility of reducing the 'tax hump' (the regressive income tax effect). Issues concerning the cost of living and people's financial well-being are paramount.

Criticism leveled at economic policy: the susceptibility to tax hikes and regulatory burdens; a demand for fairer support and investments that boost productivity and competitiveness. There is opposition to sharp increases in VAT, income tax, and excise duties; the necessity of protecting the competitiveness of farmers and businesses, and ensuring mutual support in stimulating the economy, is emphasized. A negative stance regarding the state's economic management; there is a desire to enhance income retention mechanisms for farmers during crises.

Emphasizing economic competitiveness and energy security: Curbing the current form of the CO2 market and the green transition to prevent a burden on economic activity.—Criticism regarding the unbalanced costs of the green transition and CO2 trading, and the resulting burden on consumers; a desire to review the impact on gross revenue and labor costs, and the need for modernization.

Prefers careful and determined financial management; does not support general cuts, but wishes to prioritize defense expenditures, digital and innovation investments, and energy saving (renovation of apartment buildings). It reports the economic impact of changing the tax system (the speaker notes that abolishing the tax hump will result in a cost of approximately half a billion to the state budget) and emphasizes the need to find additional resources and reduce bureaucracy.

The economic narrative focuses on prioritizing state expenditures away from the green transition (e.g., 14–18 billion in green investments versus the modernization of the oil shale sector). State support mechanisms are criticized (such as the subsidies given to Enefit Green), and emphasis is placed on protecting domestic resources, jobs, and the economy of Ida-Virumaa. Furthermore, the impact of energy prices on both production and consumers is highlighted, along with the need to reallocate priorities toward social and security matters.

The core criticism of economic policy revolves around tax increases and rising service prices damaging people's purchasing power. Recommendations include lowering the VAT on food and introducing special exemptions for the car tax targeting influential groups. The state budget and its financing mechanisms are also under fire, as they are deemed to shift the financial burden onto citizens. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of efficient and transparent funding for nursing homes and home care services.