Estonian Interior Minister Criticizes Reform Party's Spending Cut Plan
Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro requests additional funding for new helicopters and criticizes the Reform Party's proposal to cut state spending, arguing that previous cuts have already caused harm to society.
Interior Minister Igor Taro plans to ask the government for additional funding to purchase five new helicopters and one aircraft for the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). The total cost of the project is €249 million. Taro emphasized that the helicopters are needed to support NATO's air defense mission, as the agreement requires Estonia to have the capability to quickly evacuate pilots. Currently, 7% of the time none of the three existing helicopters are operational. Taro warned that without adequate provision, NATO fighter jets may not enter Estonian airspace.
Taro criticized the Reform Party's proposal to cut state spending by €400 million, noting that previous cuts have already caused significant damage. In recent years, the number of staff, patrols, and rescue teams has been reduced. He mentioned that in some counties, there are no police patrols at night during the middle of the workweek.
Taro also plans to request funding for the construction of public shelters, stating that Estonia lags behind neighboring countries. Previously, about €1 million per year was allocated for shelters, while neighbors spend tens of millions. He also intends to request salary increases for police and rescue workers.
The minister called claims that no cuts have been made populist rhetoric. He stressed that in the field of internal security, cuts have been ongoing for 10-15 years, and while there is much equipment, there may soon be a shortage of personnel to operate it.
