Estonian Social Democrat PM candidate Vseviov vows to end constant tax changes

Jonatan Vseviov, the Social Democratic Party (SDE) candidate for prime minister of Estonia, said the country must stop the constant tax changes that have continued despite promises to the contrary. Vseviov is a former secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Estonia is due to hold general elections in March, which will decide the next government.

Tax policy

Vseviov said individual taxes are considered one by one, with promises to reverse them followed by promises to reintroduce them. In his view, tinkering with taxes in such a rush makes no sense. If the Social Democrats win, their first move will not be to push new taxes through parliament before Midsummer. The matter would be put to public debate that takes a comprehensive approach to economic policy.

The Social Democrats want more money for public services and to reduce inequality. Defense spending should remain at 5 percent, while VAT on food could be cut. Vseviov believes further savings can be found in the state budget, but said the hole in it cannot be filled by spending cuts alone.

Criticism and responses

Isamaa Chairman Urmas Reinsalu has claimed that Vseviov is not a social democrat because he previously belonged to the Reform Party. Vseviov replied that his views have changed over the years, and said he has been a liberal all his life.

Several media outlets have pointed to a conflict of interest: Vseviov agreed over the summer to become the party's candidate, yet continued as secretary general for several more months. Critics also believe he worked at the ministry to keep businessman Oleg Ossinovski from Ukrainian sanctions. Vseviov said he was not directly involved and that the ministry handles such matters routinely. He also condemned any business cooperation with Russia.

Vseviov added that if the Social Democrats lose the election, he will remain in politics.