
Ligi: räägime vähem hindadest, eestlaste elu on läinud ülesmäge
Ligi: Let’s talk less about prices, the lives of Estonians have improved
Rahandusminister Jürgen Ligi soovib, et räägitaks rohkem inimeste sissetulekute kasvust kui hindadest. Ta nimetab Trumpi kaitsetolle ebaratsionaalseteks ja rõhutab, et Eesti majandus kannatab selliste tollide tõttu. Palgatõusu riigitöötajatele ei soovita.
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi wants more focus on the growth of people's incomes rather than prices. He calls Trump's protective tariffs irrational and emphasizes that the Estonian economy suffers from such tariffs. He does not recommend a pay raise for state employees.
According to Statistics Estonia, prices fell by 0.5 percent in March compared to February. Year-on-year, prices rose by 4.4 percent. Goods were 2.1 percent more expensive, services were 8.1 percent more expensive. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi says Trump’s tariffs affect Estonian prices. He wants more focus on income growth.
Ligi says the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Estonia is difficult to calculate. He says the US Secretary of Commerce has indicated that the tariffs will remain in place for weeks. Ligi thinks it is hard to predict such things.
Ligi says small countries like Estonia suffer more from tariffs than large countries. He emphasizes that the US is far away, but the effects reach Estonia through trade partners.
Ligi calls the US trade war irrational. He says US tariffs are childish and very difficult to maintain in the long term. He emphasizes that redirecting the economy takes years.
Ligi says some products may come to Europe from China or Vietnam. During COVID-19, it became clear that supply chains are not secure. He says it’s worth producing more ourselves.
Ligi emphasizes that Estonia’s market is Europe. He says Estonia can keep its economy working in Europe. He believes that Europe must become more autonomous.
Ligi recommends being restrained regarding pay raises. He says disappointment may be great. He emphasizes that Estonia is doing its best, but the budget situation is difficult.
Ligi says Estonia must make decisions balancedly and sustainably. He emphasizes that Europe’s defense capability depends on Europe’s unified action.