Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said that the criticism from the National Audit Office was rude. He emphasized that if the National Audit Office does not understand, it does not mean that others do not. Ligi also said that the work of dedicated people is not a fraud.
Ligi also commented on the opinion of his party colleague Aivar Sõerd. Sõerd agreed with the assessment of the National Audit Office. Ligi said that Sõerd wastes his energy on trivial matters. He added that budget reform is not the main problem of the budget.
The National Audit Office said that last year, €2.15 billion remained unused. Ligi asked what to compare it with. He said that projects are long and there are always amounts that cannot be used within a year.
Ligi emphasized that the National Audit Office's claim about fraud is false. He said that the amount of transferred funds has decreased and the rules have been tightened.
Ligi said that the National Audit Office does not understand, but others do. He added that there are people in the country who understand it. But they are constantly disparaged.
Ligi emphasized that budget responsibility is not only on the Ministry of Finance. He said that all ministries must plan and spend accurately. Ligi added that his last messages were received yesterday at midnight from a frustrated minister.
Ligi said that the rules are the same for everyone. He emphasized that money is not stolen. Ligi added that the scope for planning has increased, but money transfers are not allowed.
Ligi said that Estonia's accounting is in order. He emphasized that money is used honestly. Ligi added that the comments of the National Audit Office are not polite.
Ligi emphasized that building the border is necessary. He said that the amounts must be properly applied for. Ligi added that money should not be simply set aside.
Ligi said that big plans may not always materialize. He emphasized that this is not fraud. Ligi added that people do their work honestly.
Ligi asked how Estonia's state budget balance is. He said that the problem is expected to be smaller. Ligi added that the border is needed, but there is no border agreement yet.