Estonian PM Michal: economy growing twice as fast as EU average

Estonian Prime Minister and Reform Party chairman Kristen Michal said on Saturday that the country's economy is expanding twice as fast as the European Union average. He spoke at a party council of delegates in Tartu, where the Reform Party also officially opened its campaign for the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament) election, due in March 2027.

Economic claims

Michal said that lower income tax, rising wages and higher consumption are helping the economy recover. He also stated that production and exports are increasing, and that unemployment has fallen to the level seen in early 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The Reform Party can say with confidence: our plan is working. Estonia has gone through serious trials and has reached a sustainable growth trajectory," Michal said.

Defence

The head of government noted that Estonia has raised defence spending to 5% of GDP. In his words, strong defence strengthens families' sense of security and gives businesses the confidence to make long-term investments.

Election campaign

At the Tartu event, the party unveiled its campaign slogan, "A steady course is the future" (Kindel suund on tulevik). From next week, its election posters will appear in Estonia's major cities, and politicians will meet residents across the country.