In its program, new coalition in Estonia declares support for Ukraine on all key issues
Estonia’s current Prime Minister Kai Kallas’ "Reform Party", Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats have approved a coalition agreement that lays the foundation for the government’s agenda.
Among other things, the coalition agreement notes that against the background of Russia's open war against Ukraine, Estonia will in the coming years be in "the most difficult security situation since the Second World War", in connection with which defense spending will increase to 3% of GDP for the next four years - in addition to the costs of deploying allied forces, Censor.NET reports with reference to Euro Integration.
The main direction of the development of the defense forces was determined to strengthen air defense, long-range systems and increase ammunition stocks; measures to support the Estonian military industry, the creation of a cyber defense unit and a unit of rapid response to hostile actions in the information space are foreseen.
In addition, the government plans to work together with Latvia and Lithuania on the creation of NATO air defense missions in the Baltic states.
In foreign policy, they declare their intentions to seek further strengthening of sanctions against Russia and support for the earliest possible opening of negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU.
The future government also promises to work actively to bring Russia to justice for aggression and war crimes, to direct confiscated Russian assets to the reconstruction of Ukraine, to actively assist in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
In education, they declare their intention to transfer kindergartens and primary schools completely into the Estonian language by 2027; increase teachers' salaries to 120% of the average salary in 4 years; allocate at least 1% of GDP for scientific research and promote the attraction of private investments.
The age of compulsory school education is raised to 18 years - starting with graduates of 2024.
State financing of higher education is planned to increase by 15% over 3 years - up to 1.5% of GDP.
It is planned to optimize the state apparatus in order to eliminate the duplication of functions and thus save on administrative costs.
By 2027, the government wants to set the minimum wage for public sector workers at 60% of the median wage in Estonia. They will try to negotiate a similar increase with the private sector.
The income tax rate for individuals and legal entities is planned to increase by 2% starting in 2025.
From July 2024, it is planned to introduce a tax on car ownership.
In addition, additional taxes on the use of plastic packaging, an increase in excise duties on tobacco, alcohol, and gambling are planned.
The government wants to continue the privatization of non-strategic state-owned enterprises; to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in the country, to adopt a comprehensive climate law.
