By Plenary Sessions: Priit Sibul

Economic perspectives focus on budget discipline and the transparency of expenditures. Concerns are being raised that the education reform (extending compulsory education until the age of 18) will require additional funding, the sources of which are unclear, especially given the necessity for individualized attention and support staff.

The speaker is critical of the government's attempts to balance the budget, especially when this comes at the expense of social services and families. He/She stresses that the tax hikes and cuts have failed to deliver the expected benefits for national defense; instead, they have actually diminished public support for defense funding. He/She opposes lowering the cap on parental benefits and eliminating support payments for pensioners.

Economic perspectives are centered on concerns regarding the impact of tax increases (land tax) on the competitiveness of producers (agricultural producers, forest owners). Emphasis is placed on fiscal discipline and ensuring the transparency and fairness of state funding mechanisms (the Equalization Fund calculator) concerning local municipalities.

The economic views emphasize global competitiveness and are strongly opposed to regulations and bureaucracy. The speaker favors initiatives that help Europe advance in global competition, rather than protectionist measures such as erecting barriers or redistribution.