The Reform Party has set a goal to secure 20 seats in the Riigikogu elections. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said in a Vikerraadio broadcast that this will provide a strong team capable of standing up for liberal values.
Michal emphasized that a strong team is necessary in challenging times. He said, "Populism and criticism make politics difficult. We must be strong and remain committed to our goals."
He added that the Reform Party is a strong liberal party that advocates for people's and economic freedoms. Michal stated: "Our positions cannot be found in other parties."
Michal also spoke about reducing income tax. He said that the possibility exists. "We have already reduced the tax burden. In the next government term, we can do more," he said.
The Prime Minister did not specify the extent of the reduction. He said: "Wait with anticipation for the introduction of the election program."
Michal also discussed the rise in fuel excise duty. He said that next year, the increase might be postponed. "We are monitoring global trends and assessing the situation," he said.
He pointed out that Estonia's reserves are sufficient. "The reserve center ensures that there is enough fuel," Michal said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Rail Baltic. He said that Estonia's participation could increase to 25 percent. "The European Union covers a larger share of construction costs," he said.
Michal added that Rail Baltic construction is cheaper for Estonia if it extends over a longer period. "We can use more EU funds, so we don’t need to borrow," he explained.
Finally, Michal discussed the color of passports. He said that the color is less important than the passport's functionality. "Whether the passport is blue or red, it’s important that it works quickly," he said.
Michal also hinted at the possibility of changing passports to blue-black-white. "That would be an interesting idea," he said.