Analytics, Estonia, Financial Services, Legislation, Society, Taxation

International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Friday, 29.03.2024, 07:39

Reform, SDP and IRL reach a coalition agreement in Estonia

BC, Tallinn, 31.03.2015.Print version
The Estonian Reform Party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL) have reached an agreement at the government coalition talks on core issues and o distribution of ministerial portfolios, as well as on the fact that Riigikogu speaker's position will go to SDP and first deputy speaker's post to IRL, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports.

Negotiations' leader, Reform Party Chairman Taavi Rõivas said on Monday that the plan is to continue the talks and expressed hope that the coalition agreement will be wrapped up during this week.

 

He stressed that there is a consensus on critical issues. "This does not mean that we have agreed on everything yet. Quite a lot depends on the last details too."

 

"These six most important topics, on which there is common understanding on how Estonia should move forward, exists. Therefore, we are also able to submit joint candidates for the board of the Riigikogu," he said.

 

SDP will submit Eiki Nestor as Riigikogu speaker, IRL submits Helir-Valdor Seeder as first vice-speaker.

 

Rõivas confirmed that the partners have in fact already agreed upon the distribution of the number of ministerial portfolios but not on the spheres yet. SDP Chairman Sven Mikser said that it would be better to talk about it when the spheres are allocated too.

 

Rõivas said that as of today, it can be assumed that the coalition will reduce taxes on labour, increase child support and carry out administrative reform.

 

"The total cost of the agreement is over EUR 300 million in 2019. How much exactly, it still needs to be carefully finalised and balanced," said Rõivas.

 

As to the sources of funding, he said only that taxing the harmful consumption will increase. This means alcohol, tobacco and fuel excise tax hikes.

 

SDP Chairman Sven Mikser said that now the parties have to tie all lose ends to put together a government that makes decisions to advance the life of Estonia. "When the coalition agreement is completed, then it is certainly not a secret treaty. Then it is possible to compare it with the election programs of political parties," said Mikser.

 

IRL Chairman Urmas Reinsalu said that the most important thing about the future coalition agreement is that it has to be politically feasible, workable and effective, in order to induce changes in society.






Search site