Estonian government needs opposition votes for 2027 budget — ERR News

Estonia’s minority government needs the support of opposition lawmakers in the Riigikogu to pass the 2027 state budget. Prime Minister Kristen Michal presented the draft budget to parliament on Tuesday, ERR News reports.

According to Michal, the document was prepared responsibly and with a thrifty approach to public funds. The prime minister said that the government is ready to consider all justified proposals that can be accommodated, but stressed that parliament cannot alter the budget balance.

Opposition demands

A simple majority is sufficient to approve the budget, but it will be difficult for the government to secure one without opposition votes. Centre Party lawmaker Lauri Laats said that his political force would like to see a reduction in value-added tax on food products, as well as measures to lower fuel costs by cutting excise duties.

Isamaa representative Aivar Kokk also called for lower excise duties and VAT on gas. He noted that an increase in excise duties had already been postponed this year, while the 2027 budget provides for a double increase in excise duties from May 1.

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Possible support from the Social Democrats

Parliament believes that the coalition may receive the necessary additional votes from the Social Democratic Party. Its representatives could count, among their achievements, additional funding for specialized care services. At the same time, party leader Lauri Läänemets rejected claims of political bargaining.

Läänemets said that specialized care services require at least €30 million, while the entire reserve for the social sector available for negotiations with the opposition amounts to €7.5 million. The Social Democrats plan to decide on supporting the budget in November or December.

EKRE leader Mart Helme said that his party would vote against the budget. In his view, if the document does not pass at the beginning of next year, the country could operate within this year’s expenditure until the Riigikogu elections in March, and a new budget would be prepared by a government formed after the elections.