Estonian government open to discussing budget with opposition too

Opposition parties in Estonia's Riigikogu say the current minority government may struggle to pass the state budget without taking their views into account. Economy Minister Erkki Keldo of the Reform Party says the coalition is willing to talk with the opposition.

Social Democrats' conditions

The Social Democratic Party says it will support the budget only if state debt growth is contained and investments in healthcare, education and the social sector are preserved. Party chairman Lauri Läänemets acknowledged growing tension within the coalition itself: members of the Reform Party's finance committee are unwilling to vote for a budget that doesn't improve the state's fiscal position, while Eesti 200 has said it won't support a budget without wage increases and other added spending.

Calls for early elections

Centre Party chairman Mihhail Kõlvart argued the best solution would be early elections, so a new Riigikogu could form a new government capable of presenting a more workable budget. He warned that with the coalition lacking votes to pass the budget, a pre-election "bargaining bazaar" could erupt in parliament.

The Isamaa party likewise believes the government should acknowledge the situation and resign, allowing a new government formed after early elections to draft and pass the budget. Isamaa chairman Urmas Reinsalu noted that the National Audit Office found 1.8 million euros went unspent last year, arguing this shows the need for clearer visibility into where state funds go. He also pointed to what he called a worrying situation at the Ministry of Defence.

Coalition's position

The Reform Party names cutting the budget deficit as its main goal, planning to cut administrative costs and review investments. Keldo stressed that the government will need to negotiate and clearly explain its decisions to the public, adding he hopes the opposition genuinely stands by its repeated calls for a balanced budget and sustainable state finances.