By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Laats

The rising cost of payments and expenses is a significant issue; specific economic policy steps were not outlined, but the necessity of listening to the public's concerns and discussing financial matters was emphasized.

Supports economic austerity and cuts to government spending; emphasizes the impact of tax increases on society and the necessity of financial responsibility. It seeks transparency regarding expense reimbursements and, where necessary, tying salary to work attendance, citing the Belgian model as the desired solution. The statement stresses fiscal discipline and social justice.

The central focus is on controlling and saving financial expenditure. It is emphasized that transparency leads to savings, and that the Riigikogu (Parliament) and ministers should be required to provide expense documentation. Specific sums have been mentioned (1,500 euros per month for representation costs, 250,000 euros per year), alongside the necessity of allocating or redirecting resources (such as funding for school psychologists) according to established priorities.

This economically critical draft bill highlights the burden placed on families, the reduction of household income, and the negative impact stemming from increased excise duties. The text emphasizes that tax revenue is substantial, but the implementation of these measures disproportionately affects the pockets of individuals rather than businesses; it favors Left-wing and fiscally prudent solutions.

In economic policy, the focus is on criticizing tax increases and enhancing transparency; regarding the draft bill, the necessity of accountability and securing financial responsibility is stressed. The bank tax is mentioned as a specific policy choice affecting taxation, investment, and competitive advantage; it is emphasized that consumption taxes make up a large portion of the Estonian budget, and budget cuts require a transparent and well-considered approach.

The economic viewpoint centers on arguments against raising taxes and in favor of eliminating or reducing the tax bracket distortion (tax hump). It stresses that tax modifications could undermine people's purchasing power and economic growth, and underscores the need for transparency in financial decision-making and the safeguarding of entrepreneurial interests. These assertions rely on the projections of well-known analysts and the observation that eliminating the tax hump might not fully resolve the fiscal state, depending on the specific context.

It is said that tax hikes are detrimental, arguing that fiscal policy erodes purchasing power and could lead to increased poverty. Expert opinions are cited which contradict the government’s forecasts. He emphasizes the necessity of strengthening the financial capacity of local governments and the importance of regional development, but the criticism carries a strong oppositional tone and remains skeptical about the growth forecasts.

The core of economic policy revolves around solidarity and tax guarantees, as well as the necessity of introducing new taxation (a bank tax) and reforming VAT (on food)—measures the coalition has been either unable or unwilling to implement. The bills tie wage payments and expense allowances directly to work contribution, while also improving the transparency of taxes and expense reimbursements. Preference is given to mechanisms that stimulate the economy and reduce both inflation and the cost of living.

It emphasizes economic impact and cost savings: establishing a correlation between wages and expense compensations at the level of specific work activities, alongside increased transparency, which mitigates hidden costs; the objective is greater efficiency and improved control over resource utilization.

Regarding the economy, the speaker is critical: the increase in consumption taxes and excise duties particularly burdens low and middle-income individuals, which could reduce consumption and hinder economic stimulation. He emphasizes the need for alternatives (e.g., bank tax, platform taxes) and argues that the bill increases the state's tax revenue, but simultaneously harms consumption and the standard of living. He highlights a static vision where consumers are overloaded with taxes instead of fundamentally solving the budget deficits.

Issues of the economy and income were highlighted: specifically, the challenge of high employment and the importance of ensuring adequate livelihood. It is argued that a bank tax would have bolstered the state budget, and broader economic topics related to government formation are discussed. The speaker is critical of the government’s current economic policy and seeks to utilize economic policy tools to strengthen both the budget and national security.

A central point of criticism in economic policy concerns tax increases and hasty decisions, which risk driving up prices and the overall cost of living. While the necessity of state intervention to support the economy has been stressed, this should preferably be done through transparent and thoroughly analyzed measures. On the topics of the green transition and energy, a critical stance is prevalent: emphasis is placed on utilizing oil shale as an energy source for the sake of energy security, alongside the need for exceptions (derogations) from the European Union to prevent undue burden on consumers.